Research Areas

Success in genomics and proteomics will eventually be dependent on the delivery of the DNA and proteins.

The main objectives are to develop new non-invasive ways to deliver therapeutic agents into the body and specifically target diseased tissues and understand the mechanism of delivery:

1. Fabrication and characterization of novel delivery systems for macromolecules

* lipid-based systems
* self-assembling systems
* nanoscale particulate systems

2. Elucidation of the molecular requirements for the transportation of macromolecules through difficult barriers such as the skin and mucosa

The current research program is focused on the development and characterization of needle-free delivery systems for the dermal and transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents including protein drugs, vaccine antigens and DNA. The research is carried out on two fronts:

A) Drug Delivery Program
B) Vaccine Delivery program

Specific delivery systems in development:

1. Cutaneous Gene Delivery Systems
   

   	Novel cationic nanoparticles*
   	Carbon Nanotubes

   
   
2. Dermal and Transdermal Protein Delivery Systems
   

   	Lipid-based biphasic vesicles (Biphasix™)*
   	Skin Transport Enhancer Library (STEL)*
   	Lipid-based molecular targeting systems (L-MTS)*

   
   
3. Topical Delivery Systems for Small Molecules
   

   	Liposomes
   	Lipid-based biphasic vesicles (Biphasix™)

   
   
4. Vaccine Delivery Systems
   

   	Novel Lipid Based Vaccine Targeting Adjuvants (VTA)*
   	Topical patch technology*
   	Intranasal Delivery Systems*

   
   
5. Biomaterial Research for Delivery System Design and Fabrication

* patented technologies