Development of a platform for the passive transdermal delivery of macromolecules possessing a wide range of physicochemical properties

The goal of this project is to develop patches which are able to deliver a variety of large molecules through the skin. To date, patches developed for delivery tend to fall under a “lock-and-key” model, where one material will only be able to hold/deliver one drug. Furthermore, the drugs delivered are limited to small molecules in small doses, limiting the types of drugs that can be delivered through patches. Patches which are capable of delivering larger molecules often require additional encumbersome applicators or electric devices, which are less feasible in practical application for patients. We wish to develop a plug-and-play platform to allow for the delivery of these larger molecules in therapeutic dosages, to enable more effective delivery of a number of different drugs, without needing to re-invent the wheel every time the drug payload is changed. These systems could feasibly replace the need for subcutaneous injections and constant oral administrations of certain medications, to improve the medication experience for patients everywhere.

Faculty Supervisor:

Shawn Wettig

Student:

Lokesh Narsineni;Mahdi Roohnikan

Partner:

Avro Life Science

Discipline:

Pharmacy / Pharmacology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Waterloo