Research
The development of suitable drug formulations and delivery systems remains a major challenge in the full drug product development and industrialization process. In fact, the effective and safe use of therapeutic peptides, proteins, oligonucleotides and DNA for gene delivery still faces serious obstacles. The formulation of protein drugs represents a particular challenge. The chemical and physical stability of therapeutic proteins is often highly fragile and requires particular technologies for maintaining biological potency. In addition, many therapeutic agents remain inactive or even toxic when distributed across the whole organism, necessitating targeting to specific organs, tissues, cells or subcellular structures. Therefore, efficient delivery approaches and suitable targeting strategies are needed.
Our own research efforts are focused on various aspects of drug formulation and delivery (see below). We are also interested in the design of new carriers and materials for various pharmaceutical applications such as drug detoxification and the treatment of vascular calcification. We cooperate closely with other groups in the basic, engineering, and medical sciences for interdisciplinary innovations. Furthermore, we collaborate with the pharmaceutical industry to incorporate practical applications.
Research Areas
- Novel approaches to gene delivery
- 3D printing of drug eluting devices
- Exosomes engineering
- Calcification disorders
- Treatment of hyperammonemia