The group has developed different research projects, both public and private, which endorse its trajectory. As visible results, in the last 5 years, 15 articles have been published in first quartile journals in the area of Pharmacy and Pharmacology of the JCR.
The research activity has focused on studies of drug absorption through different routes (eye, intestine and skin, fundamentally), both from the point of view of the underlying mechanism and the possibilities of modifying it. In this sense, tools have been investigated to increase bioavailability (drugs that are not very soluble or have a significant first-pass effect) and, more recently, resources have been developed to reduce bioavailability by increasing the topical effect, in order to reduce the systemic toxicity of the drug.
To achieve these objectives, several strategies have been tested, including the use of solubility-enhancing excipients, microneedles, polymeric films and nano- and microparticles of different structure. Studies have been developed using in silico (computer modelling and statistical techniques) and in vitro (cell culture, diffusion cells and legal reference models) techniques to reduce the use of animals. Also, infrastructure and training is available to evaluate in vivo results in mice and rats.
Development of new dosage forms that monitor drug absorption (mainly by modified delivery systems) through the skin, eye and gut, and associated pharmacokinetic studies. Use of topical administration as a way to optimise safety. Adaptation of biopharmaceutical evaluation techniques for colloidal systems. "In silico" prediction.
- In silico modelling (QSAR) in drug design
In the early stages of drug development, it is very important to apply tools that minimise the use of animals due to ethical considerations and are also an alternative to reduce the cost of studies. With the understanding provided by the group's track record, LADME process modelling techniques are a very important strategy to identify the substances with the best biopharmaceutical properties among large series of compounds. They are based on molecular descriptors that can be derived mathematically. At the same time, they allow targeting modifications of bioactive molecules that simultaneously lead to interesting changes as drugs (reduced toxicity, increased solubility in biological fluids, increased stability).
- Design of materials for drug and cosmetic transport
The excipients used to transport active substances (both in therapeutics and cosmetics) are not inert. They can promote or delay absorption and as such, they shape the bioavailability in speed and magnitude of the molecules of interest. It is very important to validate this role in order to optimise the form of administration. Two objectives delimit the line: on the one hand, to describe the effect of the most commonly used vehicles and, on the other hand, to prepare nuts that improve the capacity to increase or decrease absorption depending on the systemic or topical target, respectively. The research group collaborates with other institutions (University of Saarland-Germany and University of Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil, mainly) in the preparation and characterisation of the vehicles. It is responsible for the release studies and the mathematical modelling of the kinetics, which allows the optimisation of the material. He also carries out stability studies.
- Drug absorption through intestinal mucosa, lung epithelium, ophthalmic route and skin. Modulation through excipients. Biopharmaceutical evaluation
Understanding the absorption process is an indisputable way to effectively modulate the bioavailability of drugs and to achieve optimisation of the dosage form. The line comprises in vitro and in vivo studies of absorption of different substances, in free solution and in the presence of additives. The process is characterised kinetically to infer the mechanisms underlying the absorption of pharmacologically active molecules and to describe, at a later stage, the effect produced by the excipients of the dosage forms. The conclusions are tested by bioavailability studies. The ultimate aim is to describe strategies for vectoring the drug to the target tissue, in adequate quantity and speed for optimal effect, while reducing distribution to the rest of the body, leading to reduced side effects and improved safety.
- MELERO ZAERA, ANA
- Alumn.-Servei de Formacio Permanent
- Coordinador/a de Mobilitat
- Coordinador/a de Mobilitat
Burjassot/Paterna Campus
Av. Vicent Andrés Estellés, s/n
46100 Burjassot (Valencia)
