Biography
Thakur Raghu Raj Singh
Queens University Belfast, UK
Novel technologies for sustaining drug release to the eye
Abstract:
Delivery of drug molecules to treat visually impairing ocular diseases that originate in the posterior segment of the eye has been an extremely challenging task for pharmaceutical scientists and retinal specialists. The posterior segment cannot be treated using topical formulations, as they are incapable of reaching the required site of action, thus intravitreal injections have become the standard delivery method, but due to their invasive nature multiple adverse effects are associated. To overcome current issues, we have designed minimally-invasive microneedle-based devices for delivery of in situ implant forming sustained drug release formulations. The microneedle devices enable to overcome the barrier function of the ocular tissues and causes minimal tissue damage unlike hypodermic needles, whilst the sustain release formulations allow localised drug delivery for long-term. Therefore, our approach offers a new method of drug delivery to the eye that can overcome the current drug delivery issues and also enhance patience compliance.
Biography:
Dr Thakur is Lecturer in Pharmaceutics in the School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast; President and Director of Re-Vana Therapeutics Ltd. He has obtained his PhD in Drug Delivery from School of Pharmacy, Queens University Belfast (2009), M.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University Science Malaysia (2006) and B. Pharm. from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India (2002). Dr Thakur’s research interests are in the design and physicochemical characterisation of advanced polymeric drug delivery systems for ocular, transdermal and topical applications. In particular, his current research involves fabrication and design of novel drug delivery systems and devices for the treatment of eye diseases. Dr Thakur has authored over 101 scientific publications and two books. He has been an invited speaker at a number of national/international meetings. He is currently Editorial Board member of the International Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmacology and Chronicles of Pharmacy, and Scientific Advisor for Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. He is a reviewer for at least 21 other international scientific journals. His novel ocular drug delivery technology has led to university spinout, Re-Vana Ltd, which has won the ‘Life and Health’ category award of ‘INVENT 2015’ and 2015 Mass Challenge UK Silver Award.