Honours Projects - The University of Sydney

Honours Projects 2021

Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health

SYDNEY PHARMACY SCHOOL

Index

Academic Supervisors Page Dr Nathan Absalom 3 Prof Jan-Willem Alffenaar 4 Prof Parisa Aslani 5 A/Prof Thomas Balle 6 A/Prof Melissa Baysari 7 Dr Stephen Carter 8 A/Prof Betty Chaar 9 Prof Hak-Kim Chan 10 Prof Timothy Chen 11 A/Prof Wojciech (Wojtek) Chrzanowski 12 Dr Bret Church 13 Dr Hien Duong 14 Dr Sarira El-Den 15 A/Prof Ingrid Gelissen 16 Dr Danijela Gnjidic 17 A/Prof Thomas Grewal 18 Prof Paul Groundwater 19 Prof Dai Hibbs 20 Dr Lifeng Kang 21 A/Prof Veysel Kayser 22 Dr Philip Kwok 23 Dr Vivian Lao 24 A/Prof Barbara Mintzes 25 A/Prof Rebekah Moles 26 Dr Jennifer Ong 27 Prof Asad (Sid) Patanwala 28 Dr Jonathan Penm 29 Dr Rebecca Roubin 30 Prof Bandana Saini 31 Dr Carl Schneider 32 Prof Lorraine Smith 33 Dr Sophie Stocker 34 Dr Edwin Tan 35 Dr Pegah Varamini 36 A/Prof Nial Wheate 37 A/Prof Fanfan Zhou 38

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Dr Nathan Absalom and Professor Mary Collins The recent revolution in whole-genome sequencing has provided tremendous opportunities in the field of epilepsy. Our work is dedicated to understanding the underlying mechanisms of patients with epileptic disorders associated with GABAA receptors, then translating that knowledge to designing more powerful and effective treatments via a precision medicine approach. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Brain and Mind Centre, Mallett St Camperdown • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/nathan-absalom.html • Research Group: 1 Research Associate Project 1: A precision medicine approach for GABAA receptor associated childhood epilepsies Project Summary: Epileptic encephalopathies are a devastating diagnosis for the patient and their families. For the worst cases, children present with their first seizure in their first few months. The disorder can be associated with frequent and prolonged seizures, movement disorders, severe intellectual disability, and increased mortality, with many patients resistant to treatment. The recent revolution in whole-genome sequencing has enabled accurate diagnosis of the genetic causes of epileptic encephalopathies, our research is dedicated to converting this knowledge to personalized treatments. This project will use in vitro technologies to investigate potential treatments for patients with disease-causing variants in the GABAA receptor. Wild-type and variant RNA encoding for the GABAA receptor will be injected into Xenopus oocytes and semi-automated two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology will be performed. Subsequently, electrophysiology experiments will be performed to determine whether known or experimental pharmaceutics can restore effective function of the receptor in an in vitro model. Techniques/Methods: Molecular Biology (DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, RNA transcription, Electrophysiology (Two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology). Selected Publication: Absalom, N., Ahring, J., Liao, V., Balle, T., Jiang, T., Anderson, L., Arnold, J., McGregor, I., Bowen, M., Chebib, M. (2019). Functional genomics of epilepsy-associated mutations in the GABAa receptor subunits reveal that one mutation impairs function and two are catastrophic. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 294(15), 6157-6171.

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Professor Johannes (Jan-Willem) Alffenaar Professor Jan-Willem Alffenaar is a hospital pharmacist and clinical pharmacologist. The research of his group focuses on personalized dosing of drugs to optimize efficacy and reduce toxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacokinetic modelling in combination with limited sampling strategies and dried blood spot or saliva sampling are tools to achieve these goals. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Westmead hospital • Academic Profile: https://www.rug.nl/staff/j.w.c.alffenaar/research • Research Group: 1 postdoc and 3 PhD students Project 1: Feasibility of using saliva for therapeutic drug monitoring for levetiracetam Co-Supervisor: Dr Hannah Yejin Kim Project Summary: Levetiracetam is a second-generation antiepileptic drug used to control partial, tonic-clonic and myoclonic seizures. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of levetiracetam is recommended in selected patients at a risk of altered drug exposure, such as pregnancy, renal impairment, drug-drug interactions, elderly and neonates. Saliva could allow a non-invasive, point-of-care TDM. Studies have reported a substantial saliva penetration of levetiracetam and correlation between saliva and plasma levetiracetam concentrations. The aim of the project is to: 1) perform an literature study to provide an update on TDM of levetiracetam. 2) develop an analytical assay to measure levetiracetam in saliva on a portable UV spectrophotometer (Nanophotometer NP80, Implen, Germany). A successful method development would lead to an analytical assay validation according to FDA and EMA guidelines. We will collaborate with A/Prof Andrew Bleasel (a neurologist) and Mahmoud Mohamed (a pharmacist) for this project. Techniques/Methods: systematic literature review, analytical assay development, statistical analysis and manuscript writing. Selected publication: Sourbron et al. Seizure. 2018 Nov;62:131-135. Mecarelli O et al. Ther Drug Monit. 2007 Jun;29(3):313-8. Project 2: Opportunities for dose and drug monitoring optimisation in patients treated with 5-fluorouracil Co-Supervisor: Dr Hannah Yejin Kim Project Summary: 5-fluorouracil is an anti-cancer drug frequently used for treatment of solid organ cancers such as colorectal and head and neck cancer. Overexposure to 5-fluorouracil is associated with toxicity while underexposure is associated with suboptimal outcomes. Despite the evidence-based recommendations for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of 5-fluorouracil, clinical implementation of TDM is low. The aim of the project is: 1) To perform a literature review to find out which hurdles exist are perceived for implementation of TDM of 5-FU. 2) A retrospective study will be conducted in patients treated with 5-fluorouracil. The aim is to identify patients who could benefit from 5-fluorouracil dose and drug monitoring optimisation, and thus build a case for clinical implementation of 5-fluorouracil TDM. We will collaborate with Dr Mark Wong (an oncologist) and Deirdre D’Souza (an oncology pharmacist) for this project. Techniques/Methods: literature review, clinical data interpretation, statistical analysis and manuscript writing. Selected publications: Beumer et al. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2019 Mar; 105(3): 598–613.

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Professor Parisa Aslani My goal is to improve quality use of medicines by patients/consumers through increased and appropriate disease and medicine information, informed shared decision making, and adherence to therapy; using pharmacists as the primary professionals delivering health services. My research has impacted policy and education in the healthcare sector, and at the Commonwealth Government level, and has led to a global initiative on developing medicine information strategies for implementation at national and local levels. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Room N502, Pharmacy and Bank Building • Academic Profile:

http://sydney.edu.au/pharmacy/about/people/profiles/parisa.aslani.php • Research Group: 2 post-doctoral fellows; 3 PhD students; 1 PhD student

(associate supervisor); 1 Honours student; 2 MPharm students Project 1: Improving Written Discharge Medication Information for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities Co-Supervisor: Dr Vivien Tong Project Summary: This project aims to develop clear and understandable written discharge medication informationin several languages to be used in culturally and linguistically diverse communities by pharmacy staff. Methods: The project steps are to: a) Identify commonly used dosage instructions, dose forms, and discharge medication information. This step will be conducted through an evaluation of hospital dispensing programs/systems, review of literature, and expertise of the research team and advisory committee. b) Set up an advisory committee that will assist with obtaining a more comprehensive understanding of current international best practice for written discharge medication information, and facilitate translation of information. c) Develop clear and understandable English language written discharge medication information which can be understood and acted upon by people with low health literacy. d) Translate the developed written discharge medication information into the top 10 most commonly spoken languages other than English in a CALD metropolitan region within Australia. Step c) and d) will involve drawing on the skills and expertise of the research team to develop effective prescription medicine labels and discharge medication lists, which, with the assistance of the advisory committee, will be translated into the selected languages, and verified for accuracy and contextualisation. All translations will be verified by qualified interpretors. e) Evaluate the comprehension and usability of the translated information within CALD settings and participants, via the User Testing method. Techniques/Methods: Information design and evaluation Project 2: Evaluating shared decision making in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-related consultations Co-Supervisor: Dr Vivien Tong Project Summary: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common, chronic and disabling psychiatric disorders of childhood, affecting 6-7% of children and adolescents in Australia,1 and up to 5% of children globally. In response to parents’ identified ADHD information needs, a novel question prompt list (QPL) booklet was developed and evaluated. The pilot study showed that the QPL empowered parents and facilitated communication and shared decision making between parents and clinicians.2 The current NHMRC-funded cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) is evaluating the efficacy, acceptability, and sustainability of the QPL, as well as its impact on shared treatment decision making. Project aim: To measure the extent to which clinicians involve parents in decisions during clinical consultations. Methods: This project will involve analysing de-identified and blinded transcripts of audio recordings from two consecutive consultations that have taken place within this broader cluster RCT. Each consultation involves a clinician and the parents(s) and child who has been recently diagnosed with ADHD. As part of this project, student(s) will receive two transcripts for each participating family (up to 40 participants). To measure the extent of shared decision making in these consultations, the observing patient involvement (OPTION) scale3 will be used to score each consultation. The entire OPTION scale consists of 12 items, with possible scores for each individual item ranging from 0 to 4. The OPTION scores for each consultation will then be compared to those that have been given by a separate independent blinded rater. Mean scores will be calculated. Together, these scores will allow us to see if there is a difference in shared decision making between the intervention and control groups and in particular, whether receiving a QPL booklet influences the extent of shared decision making observed. Techniques/Methods: Qualitative and quantitative evaluation Selected Publications: 1. Willcutt EG. The prevalence of DSM-IV attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a meta-analytic review. Neurotherapeutics 2012;9(3):490-9. 2. Ahmed R, McCaffery K, Silove N, Butow P, Clarke S, Kohn M, Aslani P. The evaluation of a question prompt list for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in pediatric care: A pilot study. Res Soc Admin Pharm. 2017;13(1):172-86.3. Elwyn G, Edwards A, Wensing M, Hood K, Atwell C, Grol R. Shared decision making: developing the OPTION scale for measuring patient involvement. Qual Saf Health Care. 2003;12(2):93-9.


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Associate Professor Thomas Balle I am passionate about ion-channel drug discovery and computational drug discovery methods. My research aims to characterize new drug targets and identify new lead molecules and drugs that can help treat patients suffering from mental health disorders. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: The Brain and Mind Centre, Mallet Street • Academic Profile:

http://sydney.edu.au/pharmacy/about/people/profiles/thomas.balle.php • Research Group: 4 HDR students Project 1: P2X7 receptors in COVID-19 - computational studies and virtual screening Co-Supervisor: A/Prof Stephen Fuller, Nepean Clinical School Project Summary: The P2X7 receptor is an ion channel involved in the host immune response to infection; however, over-activation of the receptor can lead to a damaging cytokine storm associated with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndromes which are common in Influenza and COVID-19 infections. In this project we will develop pharmacophore models for negative allosteric modulators of P2X7 and use computational and structure guided drug design methods to identify potential novel modulators based on new chemical scaffolds. Techniques/Methods: Molecular modelling software for ligand and structure based virtual screening. High performance computing, 3D-visualisation, scripting/basic programming. Selected Publication: Kopp, R. et al, P2X7 Interactions and Signaling – Making Head or Tail of It: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnmol.2019.00183


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Associate Professor Melissa Baysari I am a health services researcher whose research is focussed on the design and evaluation of health information technologies, in particular, technologies that support medication management. I am very passionate about providing new, high quality evidence to drive the uptake and improvement of technology in health care. I use mixed methods approaches to evaluate the impact of technologies on patients (e.g. technology results in fewer medication errors) and on workers (e.g. technology results in pharmacy work taking longer). • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Charles Perkins Centre • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/melissa-baysari.html • Research Group: 1 post-doctoral fellow, 1 research assistant, 3 research officers, 2 PhD students Project: Drug-drug interaction pop-up alerts in electronic medical records – do they work? Co-Supervisor: Professor Andrew McLachlan Project Summary: Drug-drug interaction alerts trigger at the point of prescribing in an electronic medical record (eMR) to warn doctors of potential DDIs in their medication orders. In principle, this sounds like a good idea, but in reality, prescribers are presented with hundreds of alerts a day. The result is that doctors begin to ignore the alerts presented and they might miss some important things. Drug-drug interaction alerts are operational in most hospital eMRs but we do not know how they are impacting doctors’ decision making and if they are improving patient care. Two projects are on offer for honours students: 1. Are drug-drug interactions really a problem? This project involves the review and analysis of chart-

review data from multiple NSW hospitals to determine what serious drug-drug interactions are occurring and should be the target of alerts.

2. How do drug-drug interaction alerts work in practice? This project involves observations and interviews with hospital doctors to understand how and why alerts are impacting on their decision-making.

Techniques/Methods: In Project 1, the student will apply statistical tests to summarise medication and patient data collected by project pharmacists. Project 2 is a qualitative study and the student will collect and analyse interview and observational data. Selected Publication: Baysari MT et al. Optimising computerised decision support to transform medication safety and reduce prescriber burden: Study protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation of drug-drug interaction alerts in Australia. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030950.

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Dr Stephen Carter Quality Use of Medicines, Medication Safety and Adherence Phone: +61 2 9351 5278 Email: [email protected] Location: Sydney Pharmacy School A15 Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/stephen-carter.html Research Group: Pharmacy Practice Project 1: Development and testing of an Osteoporosis Enhanced MedsCheck in community pharmacy Co-Supervisor: A/Prof Rebekah Moles Project Summary: Stephen and Rebekah are part of a team of researchers affiliated with the Garvan Institute of Medical research that have secured Australian Government funding to improve osteoporosis awareness. One arm of this study is the development and pilot testing of an osteoporosis enhanced MedsCheck. In this study we aim to mystery shop the pharmacies that have received training to assess their skills post training. Techniques/Methods: This research will involve mystery shopping with feedback and coaching. This means that we will be collecting both qualitative and quantitative results.


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Associate Professor Betty Chaar My research is about ethical aspects of pharmacy practice. I have led teams to explore issues in many pharmacy pathways and services. From prescribing, vaccinations, abortion etc to euthanasia, there are always new and important issues to investigate and analyse to inform better practices and guidelines for pharmacists. I would like to take the opportunity to explore pharmacists’ experiences in the COVID-19 pandemic. • Contact: 90367101 E: [email protected] • Location: Room S114-BldgA15 School of Pharmacy FMH • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/betty.chaar.html?apcode=ACADPROFILE300808 Project 1: Exploring Ethical Dilemmas in Pharmacy Practice During Covid19 Co-Supervisor: Professor Bandana Saini Project Summary: This project will seek to explore Australian pharmacists’ perspectives and experiences of ethical dilemmas in pharmacy practice during the Covid19 pandemic. Pharmacists have been at the forefront of healthcare throughout the Covid19 pandemic and have played an enormous role in maintaining continuity of care for patients, sometimes under stressful conditions and shortages. Anecdotally we know that pharmacist have experienced ethical dilemmas, but to date there are no studies documenting this period and its impact on the profession of pharmacy in the future Techniques/Methods: Qualitative study design – semi-structured interviews. Themes emerging will be reported and analysed for recommendations to be formulated. Selected Publications: Chaar, B., Brien, J., Krass, I. (2005) Professional Ethics in Pharmacy: The Australian Experience International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2005, 13:195-204 Chaar, B. Kwong, K., Direct-to-Consumer Advertising: Australian Pharmacists' Experiences with Non-Prescription Medicines International Journal of Pharmacy Practice 2010; 18: 43-50. Project 2: Exploring the role of pharmacists in the supply of Glucosamine- a Pseudo-patient study Co-Supervisor: Dr Joanna Hartnett Project Summary: There are many sources of literature that discuss recommendations about how HCPs should handle requests for herbal medicines or complementary/alternative medicines [CAMs]; e.g. for pharmacy there is a Position Statement by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia that documents certain expectations of pharmacists regarding the supply of CAMS. It is of great importance that pharmacists upskill and address their professional responsibilities in relation to CAMs supply. However, it is not clear if or how any such recommendations have been adopted in the practice of pharmacy in the real world. This “pseudo-patient” study will aim to seek a true image of what is happening in pharmacies in Australia regarding CAMs supply, with a specific focus on Glucosamine. The method adopted will be the design of a brief checklist based on recommendations proposed by professional organisations such as PSA and any notable additions from ethicists in the field. The ground researcher will seek to purchase Glucosamine in randomly selected pharmacies around Sydney and use the check list to document the interaction with the pharmacist, if an interaction did occur. Techniques/Methods: This ‘pseudo-patient’ study will involve the student act as if a patient and request glucosamine at several pharmacies, and immediately document every action taken in the context of this request against a standardised checklist, including an open-ended description of how the ‘patient’ felt. Data entered will be analysed both statistically and qualitatively. Selected Publications: Lee, K.A.; Harnett, J.E.; Ung, C.O.L.; Chaar, B. The provision of care provided by the pharmacy workforce in relation to complementary medicines. RSAP Aug 2020. Lee, K.A.; Harnett, J.E.; Ung, C.O.L.; Chaar, B. Impact of Up-Scheduling Medicines on Pharmacy Personnel, Using Codeine as an Example, with Possible Adaption to Complementary Medicines: A Scoping Review. Pharmacy 2020, 8, 65. Queddeng, K. Chaar, B. Williams, K* (2011) Emergency Contraception in Australian Community Pharmacies: a simulated patient study Contraception 83 (2011) 176-182.


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Professor Kim Chan Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to human health. A major interest of our group is using bacteriophages (phages) to combat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. Our work focuses on developing stable powder formulations of phages that are suitable for pulmonary delivery through various particle engineering strategies. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: S211 • Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-

people/academic-staff/kim-chan.html • Research Group: 4 research staff members, 5 PhD and 2 MPhil students Project 1: Evaluation of protective effects of biocompatible excipients against moisture-induced changes in solid structure and aerodynamic characteristics of inhalable powders Co-Supervisors: Dr Philip Chi Lip Kwok, Dr Yee Tak (Michael) Chow Project Summary: Dry powder formulations of phages possess improved storage stability over their liquid counterparts. However, deterioration of the powders can still be induced by environmental moisture. Possible alteration such as recrystallisation of stabilizing sugar excipients causes detrimental changes to the activity of phages. Moisture can also result in morphological changes to the powders, rendering them no longer suitable for inhalation. The aim of this project is to screen and identify biocompatible excipients with moisture protecting effects, using drugs that are prone to physical changes upon moisture exposure as the model compound. The identified excipient can potentially be used in the preparation of phage powders with superior storage stability, a promising formulation candidate for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infection! Techniques/Methods: Preparation of powder formulations, powder dispersion assay, stability study, solid characterisation (dynamic vapour sorption, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc), chromatography Selected Publications: L. Li, S. Sun, T. Parumasivam, J.A. Denman, T. Gengenbach, P. Tang, S. Mao, H.K. Chan, L-Leucine as an excipient against moisture on in vitro aerosolization performances of highly hygroscopic spray-dried powders, Eur J Pharm Biopharm, 102 (2016) 132-141 J. Yu, M.C. Romeo, A.A. Cavallaro, H.K. Chan, Protective effect of sodium stearate on the moisture-induced deterioration of hygroscopic spray-dried powders, Int J Pharm, 541 (2018) 11-18 Project 2: Assessing shelf-life of novel powder formulations of bacteriophages for inhaled therapy Co-Supervisor: Dr Yoon (Rachel) Chang Project Summary: Inhaled phage therapy has regained interest in recent years due to respiratory infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria. Phage, also known as ‘bacteria eater’, is a naturally occurring antibacterial agent that self-replicates and kills the target bacteria without disturbing other surrounding cells. Novel powder formulations of phages that are effective against highly problematic Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been developed. This project aims to characterise biological and physicochemical properties of these novel formulations upon storage for shelf-life testing. Techniques/Methods: Powder dispersion assay, chemical assay (high performance liquid chromatography), solid state characterisation (dynamic vapour sorption, particle sizing, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and differential Scanning Calorimetry) Selected Publication: Chang RY, Wong J, Mathai A, Morales S, Kutter E, Britton W, Li J, Chan HK. Production of highly stable spray dried phage formulations for treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2017 Dec;121:1-13.


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Professor Timothy F Chen Tim Chen is passionate about all aspects of Pharmacy Practice research and policy, at both national and international levels. Tim’s research group uses quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods approaches in conducting health services research. Tim’s research has directly informed significant and sustained practice change, most notably the Australian Government funded HMR programme. Tim leads a productive research group in SPS and is co-chair of primary health care within FMH. • Contact: [email protected], Tel 9351 4440 • Location: N511, Pharmacy & Bank Building A15 • Profile: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4189-8403 Project 1: An international comparison of National Medicines Policies Co-Supervisor: Ms Tara Heir, FIP Social and Administrative Pharmacy (TBC) Project Summary: This project builds on an International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) special project on a comparison of National Medicines Policies (NMPs) from across the globe. Specifically, it involves a comparison of NMPs from approximately twenty countries, taken from each of the WHO geographic regions. Despite medicines being a major modality of treatment for many chronic and acute conditions, not all countries have a national policy. Hence this project aims to thematically content analyse approximately twenty NMPs, identify a set of key components of NMPs and establish agreement on the content of contemporary NMPs. A purposive selection of local and international pharmaceutical experts will be recruited to evaluate agreement on the content of NMPs. Given the recognised expertise of pharmacists, a special focus will include the roles and potential roles of pharmacists. Techniques/Methods: A Delphi/modified Delphi technique will be used to determine key components of NMPs. Participant experts will be from each of the WHO geographic regions. It is anticipated that this project will lead to specific guidance on the development of NMPs in countries where a policy does not exist or the updating of NMPs.

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Associate Professor Wojtek Chrzanowski Wojciech Chrzanowski is a Deputy Director at Sydney Nano Institute and Head of Nanomedicine and Nano-Bio-Characterisation laboratory in the Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health. He is a biomedical engineer who translates the science of extracellular vesicles and bio-characterisation at nanoscale to human applications. His work addresses a desperate need for effective technologies that regulate stem cells to promote desired tissue repair. Wojciech laboratory pioneers the use of nanoscale characterisation techniques to understand cellular communication and functionality of tissues. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Sydney School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Bank Building A15 • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/wojciech-chrzanowski.html • Research Group: NanoBioMed Project 1: Ultrasound sensitisation of tissues to enhance exosome penetration and therapeutic activity Co-Supervisor: Kamini Divakarla Project Summary: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale biological messengers that display significant potential in their therapeutic applications, owing to their high specificity and ubiquity. Exosomes are a type of EV that is being heavily researched for its use in diagnostics, drug delivery and as a direct means of therapy. However, exosomes can be limited in their ability to penetrate tissues to exhibit their effect. By exposing the tissue environment to ultrasound beforehand, it may be possible to facilitate the entry of exosomes. Thus, this project aims to investigate the penetration of MSC-derived exosomes in ultrasound-sensitised tissues and explore the potential therapeutic benefits when combining these two treatment modalities. Techniques/Methods: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, Nano flow Analyser (nanoFCM), nano infrared spectroscopy (nanoIR) Selected Publications: 1) Reczyńska, K.; Marchwica, P.; Khanal, D.; Borowik, T.; Langner, M.; Pamuła, E.; CHRZANOWSKI

W., Stimuli-sensitive fatty acid-based microparticles for the treatment of lung cancer. Materials Science and Engineering: C 2020, 110801.

2) Tharkar, P.; Varanasi, R.; Wong, W. S. F.; Jin, C. T.; CHRZANOWSKI W., Nano-Enhanced Drug Delivery and Therapeutic Ultrasound for Cancer Treatment and Beyond. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology 2019, 7.

3) Zhang B., Lung P.S., Zhao S., Chu Z., CHRZANOWSKI W., Li Q.: Shape dependent cytotoxicity of PLGA-PEG nanoparticles on human cells. Scientific Reports 2017; 7 (1), 7315.

Project 2: Nanoscale based delivery of Nip3-like protein X for mediation of mitophagy and restoration of mitochondrial function in PINK1/Parkin-related Parkinson’s Disease Co-Supervisor: Sarah Lei Project Summary: Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder, with poorly understood pathogenesis and limited pharmacological treatment options. The autosomal recessive PINK1/Parkin gene mutations are a common cause of familial PD, due to the central role of PINK1 and Parkin proteins in mitophagy and mitochondrial function. Functional loss of these proteins leads to abnormal accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria, and neurodegredation. However the induction of the pro-apoptotic, Nip3 like protein X (NIX), in Parkinsonian cells has been shown to restore mitophagy in PINK1/Parkin recessive genotype cells, and improve mitochondrial efficiency. In this project we aim to develop a viable method for the nano-encapsulation of the NIX protein, as a potential drug delivery system for PINK1/Parkin related PD. Techniques/Methods: High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, Nano flow Analyser (nanoFCM), nano infrared spectroscopy (nanoIR) Selected Publications: 1. Koentjoro, B.; Park, J.; Sue, C., Nix restores mitophagy and mitochondrial function to protect against

PINK1/Parkin-related Parkinson’s disease. Scientific Reports 2017; 7, 44373. 2. Koentjoro, B.; Park, J.; Ha, A.; Sue, C., Phenotypic Variability of Parkin Mutations in Single Kindred.

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Dr Bret Church The design and optimisation of compounds in drug discovery using protein structural information is central to my work. We can see how ligands and drugs bind. The ability to understand the manner in which a receptor performs its function using its three-dimensional structure has advanced rapidly in recent years, often due to the recent advances enabling work on membrane bound receptors. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Rm 502, Badham, Camperdown Campus • Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/bret-

church.html, https://updatesontheactivitiesofthechurchlab.wordpress.com/ • Research Group: 1 Postgrad student, 1 Honours student, 1 Visiting Scientist Project 1: Drug Design to aid the reversal of Glutamatergic Hypofunction Co-Supervisor: A/Prof Thomas Balle Project Summary: We are interested in kynurenic acid which is an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and elevated levels of it have been associated with Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and schizophrenia. Reducing the production of kynurenic acid by inhibiting kynurenine amino transferase-2(KAT-2) could therefore ameliorate these conditions, consistent with the glutamatergic hypofunction model of schizophrenia. We have recently found fragments that bind and inhibit KAT-2, a discovery which could be the basis of the discovery of novel inhibitors, and therefore the basis of an important drug discovery. This project is to dock the fragments and develop larger inhibitors from them. Techniques/Methods: This project will involve use of software to perform docking, and molecular dynamics, as well as the use of software for the presentation of the results. Selected Publication: Jayawickrama GS, Nematollahi A, Sun G, Church WB.(2018) Fragment Screening of Human Kynurenine Aminotransferase-II. SLAS Discov. 23, 511-519. doi: 10.1177/2472555218764620 Project 2: Understanding the structure of the peptide drug, c2 Co-Supervisor: Dr Hien Doung Project Summary: It has been demonstrated that secretory phospholipase A2-IIa (sPLA2-IIa) is overexpressed in almost all human prostate cancers, and therefore this enzyme may be a lead to finding and understanding important targets for prostate cancer (see the review Kim et al, 2020), and be the key to further cancer breakthroughs. In previous studies, the pentapeptide, FLSYK (Phe-Leu-Ser-Tyr-Lys) dose-dependently inhibited the activity of human sPLA2-IIA (Church et al, 2001). More importantly, an analogue of cyclic FLSYK (called c2) entered clinical trials for the treatment of prostate cancer (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, 2019). Although the FLSYK peptide and analogues have been consistently shown to be potent, its low aqueous solubility could hamper the clinical applications. Therefore, the aim of this project is to understand the structure-activity relationship of these peptides. Approaches can be to functionalise the peptides for better solubility, or to create a pro-drug. Techniques/Methods: Drug structure characterisation such as nmr, docking, molecular dynamics, biological testing. Selected Publication: Kim, R.R., Cheng, Z., Mann, T.J., Bastard, K., Scott, K.F., Church, W.B. (2020), Structural and Functional Aspects of Targeting the Secreted Human Group IIA Phospholipase A2, Molecules, accepted.

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Dr Hien Duong Our research is multidisciplinary which focuses on the new concepts and ideas to engineer novel materials and devices at nanoscale. The ultimate goal is to utilize the nanotechnology in the form of nanoparticles to extend our life in two ways: i) early detection of life-threatening diseases and ii) improvement of their current therapy. Our research area includes polymer synthesis, fabrication and characterization of organic, inorganic and biocompatible nanomaterials for biomedical applications.

• Contact: [email protected] • Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/hien-

duong.html • Research Group: One PhD student, one MPhil student, one Honours student.

Project 1: Multimodal nanoparticles to overcome antibiotic resistance Co-Supervisor: Dr Cindy Gunawan, The University of Technology Sydney Project Summary: The rise of hospital-acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, is a growing concern in intensive healthcare, causing the death of hundreds of thousands of patients and costing billions of dollars worldwide every year. In addition, a decrease in the effectiveness of antibiotics caused by the emergence of drug resistance in pathogens living in biofilm communities poses a significant threat to our health system. We aim to develop a novel nanostructure-based formulation technology which can overcome antibiotic resistance and facilitate the wound healing in chronic infection. The novelty of this nanotechnology lies in the delivery of triple hits (bacteriophages, antibiotics and nitric oxide) to biofilm-related chronic infection. This formulation is expected to be much more effective than the conventional single-entity treatment. The ultimate goal is to develop a nanoformulation for chronic infection treatment. Project 2: Peptide PEGylation for the optimal prostate cancer treatment outcome Co-Supervisor: Dr Bret Church Project Summary: It has been demonstrated that secretory phospholipase A2-IIa (sPLA2-IIa) is overexpressed in almost all human prostate cancer, therefore this enzyme may potentially serve as a biomarker for prostate cancer (Dong et al, 2010). In our previous study, the pentapeptide, FLSYK (Phe-Leu-Ser-Tyr-Lys) dose-dependently inhibited the activity of human sPLA2-IIA. More importantly, an analogue of cyclic FLSYK (c2) recently entered clinical trials for the treatment of prostate cancer (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, 2019). Although the FLSYK peptide and analogues have been consistently shown to be potent, its low aqueous solubility could hamper any clinical application. Therefore, the aim of this project is to enhance the solubility of these peptides in biological environment for the optimal prostate cancer treatment outcome. Our so-called PEGylation approach is to functionalise the peptides with a PEG-like polymer. This polymer greatly assists with colloidal stability (Duong, 2011). We will use two strategies for the conjugation: i) peptide will be permanently conjugated to the polymer and ii) peptide will be conjugated to the polymer through a pH-responsive linkage which will be cleaved in mildly acidic conditions at the tumour site. The solubility of the conjugate will be assessed in comparison with the intact peptides and the activity of the peptide conjugate will be evaluated using prostate cancer cells. The influence of conjugation strategies will also be investigated. Project Techniques/Methods: Polymer synthesis and characterisation using advanced polymerization technique, nanoparticles preparation and characterization, microscopy techniques, biological testing.


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Dr Sarira El-Den I am a registered pharmacist and Lecturer at the School of Pharmacy. My main research areas are mental health, pharmacy education, perinatal mental health. I am an investigator on the Bridging the Gap between Physical and Mental Illness in Community Pharmacy (PharMIbridge) RCT. I have a Master in International Public Health, a PhD in Pharmacy Practice and a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies. I am also a certified Blended, Tertiary, Workplace (Online) and Standard Mental Health First Aid instructor. I am the National Education Representative of the Australasian Pharmaceutical Science Association and a Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy. I am passionate about mental health and education research. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: School of Pharmacy • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/sarira-el-den.html • Research Group: I am currently involved in the supervision of 3 PhD students, 1 MPhil student and 2

Honours students. Project 1: Health research in the era of COVID-19 Co-Supervisors: Dr Claire O’Reilly, Jack Collins Project Summary: This project aims to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on research in health fields. In Semester 1, the Honours candidate will conduct a scoping review to identify any national or international publications, including guidelines and recommendations, relating to conducting research projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a specific focus on randomised controlled trials and clinical trials. The primary aim of this review will be to establish what has been disseminated in the literature in this area, since the beginning of the pandemic. The findings may also help inform the interview guide for the research project in Semester 2. In Semester 2, representatives from all accredited providers of pharmacy, nursing, and medicine programs across Australia will be invited to participate in an interview exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted health-related research activities in the university sector. The interview guide will be developed to specifically focus on the impact of COVID on each institution’s research agenda, research students, and research output. The data will be collected from purposively sampled stakeholders from each institution using semi-structured interviews conducted via telephone or Zoom. The Research Team have expertise in conducting literature reviews and qualitative research projects. Techniques/Methods: The Honours candidate will conduct a scoping review guided by the PRISMA-ScR checklist and one-on-one semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders (via telephone or Zoom) and subsequent qualitative analysis. Selected Publications: • El-Den S, Chen TF, Gan YL, Wong E, O'Reilly CL. The psychometric properties of depression

screening tools in primary healthcare settings: A systematic review. Journal of affective disorders. 2018;225:503-22.

• O’Reilly C, Moles R, Boukouvalas E, El-Den S. Assessing students’ mental health crisis skills via consumers with lived experience: a qualitative evaluation. The Journal of Mental Health Training, Education and Practice. 2019;14(5):361-71.

• Collins JC, MacKenzie M, Schneider CR, Chaar BB, Moles RJ. A mixed-method simulated patient approach to explore implicit bias in health care: A feasibility study in community pharmacy. Res Soc Adm Pharm. 2020.


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Associate Professor Ingrid Gelissen I am passionate about the role of nutrition in the development and management of chronic diseases, and have worked in this area from various angles, ranging from basic research to nutrition education, over the course of my career. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: S241 Pharmacy Bank Building • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/ingrid-

gelissen.html • Research Group: 2 PhD students and 1 Honours student as primary supervisor and co-supervisor for

several other HDR students with colleagues. Project 1: Pharmacy students’ knowledge, attitude and skills in general nutrition Co-Supervisor: Dr Joanna Harnett Project Summary: Community pharmacists are often considered the most accessible health care professionals, in particular in community pharmacies outside of major population centres. One of the elements that is part of pharmacist’s training is to recommend non-medicinal life-style based actions for patients to assist in the management of their medical conditions. Diet is one of the pillars of lifestyle and dietary interventions have a major role to play, in combination with prescription medications, in the overall treatment strategy for many diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension and gasto-intestinal conditions.

Overseas studies have found that pharmacists feel they lack knowledge in this area [1,2] to effectively counsel their patients. The aim of our study is to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and skills towards nutrition related counselling of pharmacy students, beyond complementary medicines and weight management. This research will help with future development of educational means to upskill pharmacists with the nutritional

knowledge they need in the community setting. Picture from: www.heartfoundation.org.au Techniques/Methods: Qualitative research methods such as questionnaires and interviews. Selected Publications: [1] Douglas et al “Nutrition Education and Community Pharmacy: A First Exploration of Current Attitudes and Practices in Northern Ireland” Pharmacy 2019, 7, 27; doi:10.3390/pharmacy7010027

[2] Medhat et al “Knowledge, attitude and practice of community pharmacists towards nutrition counselling”. Int J Clin Pharm 2019 doi.org/10.1007/s11096-020-01106-0

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Dr Danijela Gnjidic Our research is primarily focused on informing the Quality Use of Medicines in older adults. We conduct studies in clinical and geriatric pharmacology, clinical studies on polypharmacy and deprescribing, in older adults with dementia, and large-scale observational studies. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Rm N347, Pharmacy and Bank Building A15 • Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-

health/about/ourpeople/academic-staff/danijela-gnjidic.html • Research Group: Group members include Post-Doctoral Research Officer, Research Assistant, 2 PhD

students, 2 MPhil students, 2 honours students and multi-disciplinary research group at Royal North Shore Hospital and Concord Hospital

Project 1: Deprescribing Recommendations in International Clinical Practice Guidelines Co-Supervisors: Dr Carl Schneider, Ivan Dario Florez Gomez (Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia), Ms Aili Langford (PhD Candidate) Project Summary: International guidelines for chronic disease states routinely contain prescribing recommendations, however, the extent and nature of deprescribing recommendations is not well established. This study aims to identify the presence of deprescribing (cessation, tapering or intended duration, time for review) recommendation(s), the nature of the recommendations (who, when, how) and the quality of evidence supporting the recommendation(s) in a selection of International guidelines. ‘The Appraisal of Guidelines for Research & Evaluation’ (AGREE-II) Instrument will be applied to assesses guideline methodological rigour and transparency. This review will give insight into the quality of deprescribing recommendations and will inform the need for specific deprescribing guidelines. Further, you will be working as part of an international collaborative to refine the AGREE-II tool to allow for the capture and appraisal of deprescribing recommendations. Techniques/Methods: Systematic review methodology Selected Publication: What to do with all the AGREEs? The AGREE portfolio of tools to support the guideline enterprise (2020) Melissa C. Brouwers, Karen Spithoff, John Lavis, Michelle E. Kho, Julie Makarski, Ivan D. Florez. Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, Volume 125, 191 – 19. Project 2: The Dementia Cohort in Acute caRE (D-CARE) study Co-supervisor: Dr Mouna Sawan Project Summary: Older people living with dementia use acute healthcare services commonly. Up to 19% of older adults have a medication-related adverse event immediately after hospitalisation. Inappropriate polypharmacy is recognised as a major contributing factor to adverse outcomes. This study aims to establish the first in-depth, Australian dementia inpatient cohort study, and to compare patterns of prescribing across services and according to patient characteristics. The Dementia Cohort in Acute caRE (D-CARE) study involves inpatients aged ≥75 years admitted in five hospital sites across NSW. The project aims to compare prescribing and global outcomes across clinical services among older inpatients with dementia. Techniques/Methods: The project will involve a range of techniques including retrospective data collection from medical records, data entry, quantifying dementia diagnosis, and data analysis. There may be an opportunity to contribute to a publication. Selected Publication: Gnjidic, D., et al. (2014). Impact of high-risk drug use on hospitalization and mortality in older people with and without Alzheimer's disease: a national population cohort study. PLoS ONE, 9, e83224.


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Associate Professor Thomas Grewal A/Prof Grewal’s group is interested in cancer metabolism, in particular how elevated cellular lipids, such as cholesterol, increase cancer cell growth and progression and undermine anti-cancer therapies. • Contact: [email protected], Tel 9351 8496 • Location: N518, Pharmacy Building • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/thomas-grewal.html#collapseprofileteaching • Research Group: 2 PhD students (Jaimy Jose, Mohamed Wahba), 2 international MD students Project 1: LDL-cholesterol and statins in cancer progression Co-Supervisor: Prof Timothy Chen (School of Pharmacy), Dr Prasad Nishtala (Bristol, UK). Prof Chen is a renowned researcher in the quality use of medicines and health services research. Dr Nishtala, is a leading and experienced pharmacoepidemiologist. This multidisciplinary team will allow the mapping of basic science findings to real world data. Project Summary: The de-regulation of metabolic pathways is recognized as a hallmark of cancer. It commonly involves an increased demand for lipids, including cholesterol1,2. Cell- and animal-based studies have identified cholesterol as being indispensable for cancer growth. Recently, a role for cholesterol in cancer cell migration and invasion, indicative of cancer progression and aggressiveness, has been proposed2. As metastasis rather than a primary tumour is the underlying cause of most cancer deaths, this indicates the potential of pharmacologically-guided cholesterol lowering as an opportunity to reduce cancer progression. Most cells acquire cholesterol through uptake of Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL)2. We recently identified that the inhibition of LDL uptake and its cellular distribution strongly reduce cancer cell migration and invasion2,3. Statins are well known to lower LDL-cholesterol, which could provide opportunities to reduce cancer aggressiveness and spread. This proposal explores the relationship between cholesterol and statins in cancer incidence and progression using the New Zealand National Cancer Registry. This pharmacoepidemiological study is an essential next step to identify the impact of cholesterol-lowering statins in cancer frequency, risk and prognosis. Techniques/Methods: The study will be conducted using the NZ pharmaceutical collections and hospital discharge information, containing anonymised records for over 5 million patients. We will use a nested case-control design to analyses the incidence of cancer subtypes following statin exposure/s (atorvastatin and simvastatin). Project 2: Overcoming drug resistance caused by cholesterol accumulation in pancreatic cancer Co-Supervisor: Dr. Andrew Hoy (Charles Perkins Centre) Project Summary: Increasing evidence links metabolic alterations to drug resistance in cancer cells. This includes hypercholesterolemia, increased uptake of LDL-cholesterol (Chol, FC) and accumulation of cholesteryl esters (CE) in lipid droplets (LD), contributing to risk and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), but also development of resistance to chemotherapies (e.g. gemcitabine)4. Hence, blocking LDL-Chol uptake and delivery to LD are emerging strategies to improve anticancer drug efficacy. We have identified a scaffold protein, annexin A6 (AnxA6), that blocks LDL-Chol distribution and accumulation via inhibition of the Chol transporter NPC1. Moreover, this correlates with reduced metastatic properties of cancer cells2,3,5,6. These findings represent an opportunity to develop this further to counteract resistance against chemotherapies. Hypothesis: Blocking LDL-Chol and CE accumulation improves chemotherapy effectiveness to suppress pancreatic cancer progression. Aim: Cells ± NPC1 knockdown (or Rab7) or AnxA6 upregulation will be loaded ± LDL. Growth and migration ± gemcitabine will be measured using IncuCyte-ZOOM, which is reliable, routinely used in our laboratories, allowing rapid, multiple and simultaneous screening of a large number of cell lines and conditions. In parallel, expression of key proteins and activation of cholesterol-sensitive signalling cascades will be monitored. Project Techniques/Methods: Cell culture, growth assays, RNAi knockdown, Cholesterol determination, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting. Selected Publications: 1. Silvente-Poirot S, Poirot M. Cholesterol and cancer, in the balance. Science 2014; 343: 1445-6. 2. Hoque et al. The cross-talk of LDL-

cholesterol with cell motility: insights from the Niemann Pick Type C1 mutation and altered integrin trafficking. Cell Adh Migr 2015; 9: 384-91. 3. Grewal et al. Annexin A6 – A multifunctional scaffold in cell motility. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 11: 288-304. 4. Guillaumond et al., Cholesterol uptake disruption, in association with chemotherapy, is a promising combined metabolic therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. PNAS 112 (2015), 2473-8. 5. García-Melero A, …Grewal T and Rentero C. Annexin A6 and late endosomal cholesterol modulate integrin recycling and cell migration. J Biol Chem 291 (2016), 1320-35. 6.Grewal et al. Annexin A6 – A multifunctional scaffold in cell motility. Cell Adh Migr 2017; 11: 288-304.


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Professor Paul W Groundwater Paul's research interests include the design and synthesis of novel agents for the treatment of cancer and bacterial infections; the identification of the active principle of medicinal plants; and new methods for the detection of bacteria. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Pharmacy S345 • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/paul-groundwater.html Project 1: Development of novel small molecule adjuvants designed to potentiate fosfomycin activity against multi-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens Co-Supervisors: Prof. Dai Hibbs, Dr Jonathan Du (Emory University, Georgia, USA) Project Summary: Multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria account for 15% of global hospital acquired infections, one of the leading causes of nosocomial mortality, and the six ESKAPE pathogens account for the majority of these infections.(Mulani et al., 2019) Carbapenemase producing ESKAPE MDR pathogens are on the WHO critical priority list. Developing novel antibacterial agents is not the sole solution to this urgent problem, as targeting the mechanisms that lead to resistance is a new approach to overcoming MDR. Combinations of antibacterials (the carbapenem �-lactams, e.g. meropenem) and agents which inhibit their degradation (�-lactamase inhibitors, e.g. vaborbactam) and thus overcome resistance, represent 40% of agents currently in clinical development. The antibiotic fosfomycin (FOM) 1, which was approved by the FDA for the treatment of urinary tract infections in 1996, has a broad spectrum of activity against both Gram positive and negative pathogens, good bioavailability, and very low toxicity. One of the main mechanisms for FOM resistance in Gram negative organisms such as the ESKAPE bacteria, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae and Enterobacter spp., is enzymatic drug inactivation by FosA, Scheme 1.(Falagas et al., 2016) Our collaborators have shown that a novel competitive inhibitor of FosA, ANY1 3, potentiates the antibacterial activity of FOM in representative Gram negative pathogens.(Tomich et al., 2019) Techniques/Methods: This project will utilize molecular modelling to identify other agents which inhibit FosA, and thus potentiate the antibacterial activity of FOM. It will also involve the synthesis and characterization of analogues of ANY1 3. Inhibitors identified by the modelling and / or synthesis will then be tested for FosA inhibition, and potentiation of FOM activity, by our collaborators at the Univ. of Pittsburgh and Emory University.

References: Falagas et al., 2016, Clin Microbiol Rev, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 321-47; Mulani et al., 2019, Front Microbiol, vol. 10, pp. 539-539; Tomich et al., 2019, Antimicrob Agents Chemother, vol. 63, no. 3, pp. 14.


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Professor Dai Hibbs Computational Drug Design High resolution X-ray and neutron diffraction Experimental charge density distributions Co-crystal production and formulation • Contact: [email protected] • Location: N519, A15 • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/david-

hibbs.html • Research Group: Felcia Lai, Stephen Stanton, Bryson Hawkins, Patrick Chan Project 1: High Resolution X-ray Crystallography: Pharmaceutical Co-crystals by Design Co-Supervisors: Dr Jonathan Du (University of Atlanta, USA), Prof Paul Groundwater Project Summary: Over the last decade, the importance of the design and characterisation of pharmaceutical co-crystals has become an area of primary interest to both industry and academia. Co-crystals incorporate pharmaceutically acceptable guest molecules into a crystal lattice along with the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). Physiochemical properties such as poor dissolution rate, solubility, chemical stability and moisture uptake influence the therapeutic efficacy of many pharmaceuticals, and significantly lower the market value of a drug. Multi-component crystals e.g. solvates, hydrates, co-crystals, and salts have an important role in the design of new formulations that address these issues particularly in the pharmaceutical area. Using the information gained, we will produce new co-crystal forms with targeted properties. Each stream embodies a substantial research program exploring both the structural and electronic basis used by Nature in the construction of assemblies that are fundamental to crystal formation, enzyme catalysis and drug-receptor binding. Techniques/Methods: Crystal growth, X-ray crystallography, Molecular Modelling Selected Publications: Du, J., Hanrahan, J., Solomon, V., Williams, P., Groundwater, P., Overgaard, J., Platts, J., Hibbs, D. (2018). Exploring the Binding of Barbital to a Synthetic Macrocyclic Receptor. A Charge Density Study. The Journal of Physical Chemistry A, 122(11), 3031-3044 Du, J., Stanton, S., Williams, P., Ong, J., Groundwater, P., Overgaard, J., Platts, J., Hibbs, D. (2018). Using electron density to predict synthon formation in a 4-hydroxybenzoic acid: 4,4'-bipyridine co-crystal. Crystal Growth and Design, 18(3), 1786-1798. Project 2: The Management of Oral Mucositis in Patients with Cancer: A Formulation Study Co-Supervisors: Michael Soriano, Hala Musa (Chris O’Brien Lifehouse) Oral mucositis is one of the most common complications secondary to antineoplastic agents and radiation therapy, involving ulcerative lesions to the mucosal lining of the oral cavity 1. It is reported that mucositis occurs in approximately 20-40% of patients receiving conventional chemotherapy 2 and in 10-40% of patients receiving molecular targeted agents3,4. Mucositis can be extremely painful and has been reported by cancer patients as the most debilitating of symptoms 5 . Furthermore, mucositis increases the risk of local and systemic infections 6. Thus, mucositis is highly significant and warrants investigation into novel therapies targeted at preventing and reducing the severity of mucositis in patient groups that may not respond to basic oral care. At Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, we are interested in taking an active approach to investigate and formulate a novel topical therapy for oral mucositis. Therefore, ensuring the best possible outcomes are achieved in our patient population group. 1. Peterson, D., et al. 2015. Management of oral and gastrointestinal mucosal injury: ESMO Clinical Practice

Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annals of Onc 26 (Supp 5): v139-v151, 2015 2. Lalla, R. V., et al. 2014. MASCC/ISOO clinical practice guidelines for the management of mucositis secondary to

cancer therapy. Cancer 120(10):1453-1461. 3. Boers-Doets CB, et al. 2012. Oral adverse events associated with tyrosine kinase and mammalian target of

rapamycin inhibitors in renal cell cancer: a structured literature review. in 2018 UpToDate February 2018 v. 46 4. Watters AL, et al. 2011. Oral complications of targeted cancer therapies: a narrative literature review. in 2018

UpToDate February 2018 v. 46 5. Dodd, M. 2004. The pathogenesis and characterization of oral mucositis associated with cancer therapy. Oncol

Nurs.Forum. 31(4 Suppl):5-11. 6. Lalla RV, Sonis ST, Peterson DE. Management of oral mucositis in patients who have cancer. Dent Clin North Am.

2008;52(1):61-viii. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2007.10.002


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Dr Lifeng Kang Dr Kang’s research is in the field of the microscale technologies and 3D printing in drug delivery and tissue engineering. For drug delivery, microstructures can be engineered to deliver drugs (e.g., microneedles). For tissue engineering, they can be used to fabricate biomimetic scaffolds to regenerate tissues and organs. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Building A15, Room S244 • Academic Profile: kanglab.net • Research Group: Currently 2 MPhil and 1 PhD students Project 1: The personalised polypill: 3D printing to simplify medication taking in older people Co-Supervisor: Dr Edwin Tan (Sydney Pharmacy School) Project Summary: Over 40% of people aged 65 years and older use five or more medications. Clinically appropriate polypharmacy, although necessary to manage multimorbidity, may contribute to low adherence, pill burden, inaccurate dosing and medication errors. This is particularly problematic in vulnerable patient groups such as those with cognitive impairment and dementia. 3D printing can be used to combine complex medication regimens into a single personalized pill. This can allow for tailoring of drug combinations, doses and release profiles to suit patient needs, thus improving patient adherence, tolerability and health outcomes. We propose to investigate the feasibility of a personalized polypill using 3D printing technology. Upon completion of this project, we will have a prototype 3D Rx printer to be used in pharmacies to make personalised polypills. Techniques/Methods: To use a 3D printer to fabricate tablets to deliver multiple drugs and characterize the tablets in a wet lab in Sydney Pharmacy School. Selected Publication: Lim SH, Chia SMY, Kang L, Yap KYL. 2016. Three-dimensional-printing of carbamazepine sustained-release scaffold. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 105(7):2155-63. DOI:10.1016/j.xphs.2016.04.031 Project 2: A 3D printed human lung model for microparticle characterisation and optimisation Co-Supervisor: Dr Philip Kwok (Sydney Pharmacy School) Project Summary: Pulmonary route is the main route of drug delivery for asthmatic and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients and offers several advantages over the oral route. Determining the amount of drug deposited onto various parts of our respiratory tract allows for a good correlation to clinical efficacy of inhalation drug devices. However, current impactors measure only the aerodynamic particle size distribution, which does not truly represent the in vivo deposition pattern in human respiratory tract and provides no accurate in vivo predictions. To establish the in vitro model, the major challenge is the complex structure of the tracheobronchial tree. To address this challenge, Three-Dimensional Printing (3DP) can be used. 3DP can accommodate many geometrical outlines and can be made from varying materials. In this project, we aim to build a human airway model by using 3DP. With this model, particulate drug delivery systems will be tested in vitro and compared with published in vivo data. Techniques/Methods: To use a 3D printer to fabricate a model using elastomers to replicate an adult lung with complex anatomical structures and suitable elasticity for drug deposition testing. Selected Publication: Chen G, Xu Y, Kwok PCL Kang L. 2020. Pharmaceutical applications of 3D printing. Additive Manufacturing. 34:101209. DOI: 10.1016/j.addma.2020.101209.

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Associate Professor Veysel Kayser My research interests centre around developing new biopharmaceuticals, formulations, and novel approaches to address a range of challenges in the forefront of biophysical chemistry. Projects summarised below will provide fundamental insights and mechanistic understanding concerning how to stabilize therapeutic proteins and vaccines by means of basic research. This in turn will offer the pharmaceutical industry a potential route for streamlining development of therapeutic proteins – including biosimilars/biobetters and new vaccines. • Contact: [email protected], Tel: 9351 3391 • Location: A15 (S206) • Academic Profile: http://sydney.edu.au/pharmacy/about/people/profiles/veysel.kayser.php • Research Group: 5 PhD students, 1 Honours student and 1 visiting scientist Project 1: Predictive tools for the development of mAbs Co-Supervisor: A/Prof Serdar Kuyucak (Physics) Project Summary: Most of the top-selling drugs are mAbs (1). However, like other proteins, mAbs degrade over time by aggregation, making their development, manufacturing and long-term storage difficult. In this project, we will develop predictive methods and mAb formulations using novel approaches such as ionic liquids (2) and other additives. The focus will be studying and characterising the earliest stages of protein aggregation due to their fundamental importance. External dye-binding method using a hydrophobic dye will be utilized to probe molecular interactions (3). Techniques/Methods: The student will mainly use UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy methods, but s/he will have an opportunity to work closely with other group members and learn about other methods. Selected Publications: (1) Z. Elgundi et al. (2017). The state-of-play and future of antibody therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev, 122, 2-19. (2) M. Reslan et al. (2018). Choline ionic liquid enhances the stability of Herceptin® (trastuzumab). Chem Comm, 54(75), 10622-10625. (3) Z. Sahin et al. (2017). Nile red fluorescence spectrum decomposition enables rapid screening of large protein aggregates in complex biopharmaceutical formulations like influenza vaccines. Vaccine, 35(23), 3026 Project 2: Novel influenza vaccine formulations Co-Supervisor: A/Prof Serdar Kuyucak (Physics) Project Summary: In Australia, pharmacists can now administer flu vaccines. These flu vaccines are only trivalent or quadrivalent. For a better protection, more viral strains should be added into the formulation; however, poor formulation stability prevents us preparing such multi-valent flu vaccines. In this project, we will prepare novel multi-valent influenza vaccine formulations using novel approaches such as ionic liquids and other additives (1, 2). The study will focus on detecting split virus and protein aggregates induced by surfactants and heat with and without ionic liquids using fluorescence spectroscopy. External dye-binding method using a hydrophobic dye will be utilized to probe molecular interactions (3). Techniques/Methods: The student will mainly use UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy methods, but s/he will have an opportunity to work closely with other group members and learn about other methods. Selected Publications: (1) Z. Elgundi et al. (2017). The state-of-play and future of antibody therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev, 122, 2-19. (2) M. Reslan et al. (2018). Choline ionic liquid enhances the stability of Herceptin® (trastuzumab). Chem Comm, 54(75), 10622-10625. (3) Z. Sahin et al. (2017). Nile red fluorescence spectrum decomposition enables rapid screening of large protein aggregates in complex biopharmaceutical formulations like influenza vaccines. Vaccine, 35(23), 3026.


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Dr Philip Kwok My research interests include: • Respiratory drug delivery • Particle engineering • Physicochemical characterisation of powders • Electrostatics of aerosols for inhalation • Contact: [email protected] • Location: S303, Pharmacy and Bank Building A15 • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/philip-

kwok.html • Research Group: 1 PhD, 1 MPhil, and 1 Honours students Project 1: Aerosol performance of pharmaceutical combination inhalers Co-Supervisor: Prof Hak-Kim Chan Project Summary: Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease. Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g fluticasone propionate, budesonide) and long-acting beta agonists (e.g. salmeterol xinafoate, formoterol fumarate dihydrate) are popularly used to treat the inflammation and airway constriction. Combination inhaler products containing these two types of drugs in fixed doses are available on the market. Due to patent protection, various companies have produced their own unique combinations. These products are formulated as metered dose inhalers or dry powder inhalers. With the expiry of the patents of the original branded combination inhalers in recent years, many generic products have been marketed, especially in India. However, those generic products are not necessarily bioequivalent as it is relatively easy for generic products to be registered in India. Therefore, the delivered doses and aerodynamic particle sizes may differ between the products. This would have different therapeutic outcomes because those two parameters will affect the dose deposited in the lungs. There is yet no published data comparing between the original and generic inhalers. Thus it is worth to compare them to check how different (or how similar) their aerosol performance is. The findings derived are potentially useful for improving regulatory policies for generic combination inhalers. The specific objectives of the project are to: 1. Test the in vitro delivered doses from the original and generic combination inhalers; and 2. Test the in vitro aerodynamic size of the particles from the original and generic combination inhalers. The delivered dose and aerodynamic particle size will be measured by dispersing the aerosols into a unit dose collector and a cascade impactor, respectively. The drug deposits will then be chemically assayed by high pressure liquid chromatography. The experimental procedures follow those specified in the British Pharmacopoeia (1). Techniques/Methods: Dose uniformity test, cascade impaction, high pressure liquid chromatography Selected Publication: British Pharmacopoeia (2020) London: Stationary Office.


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Dr Vivian Liao and Professor Mary Collins My expertise spans many disciplines from chemical synthesis, characterisation, drug delivery, bioassay development, to translational research. My current interest is in designing robust ion channel bioassays that enables the elucidation of protein function as well throughput drug screening. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Room 418, M02G, Brain and Mind Centre • Research Group: Ion Channel Drug Discovery Group

Project 1: Unravelling the function of neglected GABAA receptor subunits ε, π and θ. Project Summary: The ε, π and θ subunits of GABAA receptors are considered “rare” due their very discrete distributions in the brain. And with no reliable method to study their functions, little attention has been paid to them. Hence to date, the assembly of the ε, π and θ subunit into GABAAR and their biological function remains poorly understood. Interestingly, due to the rapid advancement of Next Generation Sequencing, mutations in these subunits are being readily discovered in patients with impaired brain development, generalised epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorder. Hence there is an emerging need to develop robust functional bioassays of these receptors. Our group has pioneered a method that would enable researchers to have full control of receptor assembly. The project involves using this pioneering method to develop bioassays that elucidate the assembly of ε, π and θ into GABAA receptors and the biological functions of the receptors. Successful development of these bioassays would lead to a world-first discovery of the arrangement of π, ε, θ-containing GABAA receptors which is a step forward in understanding the associated neurological conditions and identifying potential novel treatments. Techniques/Methods: PCR, DNA ligation, DNA purification, cloning and transcription, microinjection, two-electrode voltage-clamp electrophysiology on Xenopus oocytes. Selected Publication: Liao, V.W.Y; Chua, H.C; Kowal N.M; Chebib M; Balle, T; Ahring, P.K (2019). Concatenated γ-aminobutyric acid type A receptors revisited: finding order in chaos. J. Gen. Physiol. 151 (6): 798-819.


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Associate Professor Barbara Mintzes The main focus of my research is on pharmaceutical policy, including how the policy environment affects the quality, effectiveness and safety of medicine use and ultimately patients’ health. This includes examining the role of commercial influences on medicine use. I also carry out systematic reviews of outcomes of drug treatments, including both benefits and harm. • [email protected] • Location: Charles Perkins Centre • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/barbara-mintzes.html • Research Group: Evidence Policy and Influence Collaborative (EPIC) at the Charles Perkins Centre Project 1: Regulatory safety warnings on medicines in Australia, Canada, US & UK: what information and advice is being provided to consumers? Co-Supervisor: Alice Bhasale Project Summary: When a medicine first comes to market, knowledge of rare or longer-term serious adverse events is limited. When new evidence of harm arises, regulators often issue safety warnings with the aim of guiding safer use. This honours project is linked to a larger NHMRC-funded research project comparing safety advisories on medicines in Australia, Canada, the US and UK over a decade (n=1441 advisories). Many of these warnings include a section with information for patients. The focus of this project is to examine the patient-oriented information in terms of the types of advice provided and consistency with principles of health literacy and risk communication theory. The aim is to better characterise the consumer information in these safety warnings, and to compare national approaches. The literature review will focus on research on the effectiveness of different approaches to risk communication on medicines targeting the public. Techniques/Methods: data entry, coding (including use of a coding system such as MedDRA) and analysis using the programs RedCAP, excel, and a data analysis program such as SPSS or R. Selected Publication: Perry et al. Descriptive Analysis of Medicines Safety Advisories issued by National Medicines Regulators…. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2020; 1-10. Project 2: A comparison of information materials and policy positions of industry-funded and non-industry funded health consumer organisations in Australia Co-Supervisor: Dr Emily Karanges Project Summary: Since 2013, Medicines Australia (MA), the national pharmaceutical industry association, has made public all company payments to health consumer organisations. Consumer organisations are an important source of support, information and advocacy for patients. However, there is a concern about a conflict of interest introduced by pharmaceutical industry funding. This project extends a 4-year analysis of the MA reports1, creates a descriptive overview and examines information materials on medicines that health consumer organisations made available to members via the websites of a sample of organisations, as well as organisational policy positions on regulatory and reimbursement policy. Materials by industry-sponsored organisations and non-sponsored organisations will be compared. Techniques/Methods: content analysis, data coding, use of data analysis programs as above. Selected Publication: 1. Lau E, et al Australian Health Review 2018.


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Associate Professor Rebekah Moles Quality Use of Medicines, Medication Safety and Medication Education Phone: +61 2 9351 5968 Email: [email protected] Location: Sydney Pharmacy School A15 Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/rebekah-moles.html Research Group: Pharmacy Practice Project 1: Development and Evaluation of Bone Health Modules for High School Students Co-Supervisor: Dr Stephen Carter Project Summary: Stephen and Rebekah are part of a team of researchers affiliated with the Garvan Institute of Medical research that have secured Australian Government funding to improve osteoporosis awareness. One arm of this study is the development and pilot testing of bone health modules within high school curriculum. This study involves evaluation of a set of educational modules for students in years 7-10. We will evaluate the success of the program by comparing student scores on a knowledge test pre-post as well as qualitative outcomes with teachers and students. Techniques/Methods: A pre-post quiz will allow us to see the impact of our bon-health modules in schools. Qualitative interviews will allow us to gather feedback to improve future training.


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Dr Jennifer Ong Research Passion – brief summary • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Sydney Pharmacy School • Academic Profile: http://sydney.edu.au/pharmacy/about/people/profiles/jennifer.ong.php • Research Group: One Honours student

Project 1: A Retrospective Analysis of Treatment Emergent Adverse Events of the biosimilar RIXIMYO® in patients with Follicular B Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Co-Supervisors: Michael Soriano, Hala Musa, Prof Jane Hanrahan RIXIMYO®, a biosimilar to the reference rituximab; MABTHERA®, was approved by the TGA in November 2017.1 The comparability of RIXIMYO® to MABTHERA® has been assessed and demonstrated in clinical trials involving patients with untreated advanced follicular lymphoma 2 and rheumatoid arthritis 3. The adoption of RIXIMYO® in 2018 at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, cemented the pharmacological and financial prospects of biosimilar medicines in the oncology setting. Following the adoption of RIXIMYO®, we aim to conduct a retrospective analysis to investigate the incidence of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) of RIXIMYO® in the switched patient group and compare this to the naïve patient group. The findings from this project will provide insights into biosimilar adoption, further improving patient and clinician acceptance to biosimilar uptake, consequently improving savings following the adoption of RIXIMYO®, thus increasing the availability for funding novel therapies and ultimately improving patient outcomes. Techniques/Methods: Quantitative analysis Selected Publications: 1. Australian Public Assessment Report for Rituximab. Therapeutic Goods Administration. 2018: 1-70. 2. Jurczak W, et al. Rituximab biosimilar and reference rituximab in patients with previously untreated

advanced follicular lymphoma (ASSIST-FL): primary results from a confirmatory phase 3, double-blind, randomised, controlled study. The Lancet Haematology. 2017;4(8):e350-e361.

3. Smolen J, et al. A randomised, double-blind trial to demonstrate bioequivalence of GP2013 and reference rituximab combined with methotrexate in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. 2017;76(9):1598-1602.

Project 2: Evaluating the clinical outcomes of the use of methadone as a sole opioid agent in the management of complex pain in patients receiving palliative care Co-Supervisors: Dr Charbel Bejjani, Christopher Chircop Project Summary: The management of pain in patients receiving palliative care is complex and challenging and often response to traditional analgesics, such as morphine or hydromorphone, are inadequate and multiple analgesic agents are required. Methadone is an opioid analgesic that has been available for decades, but due to its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics complexity, requires specialist intervention for initiation. It is therefore rarely used as a sole agent for the management of pain and is generally used only after the trial of several other opioids. The process of finding the optimal analgesic regimen often leads to suboptimal management of pain and the experience of undesirable adverse effects. Methadone offers a number of advantages for the management of complex chronic and cancer related pain in the palliative care setting, such as a simple to use formulation, a prolonged duration of action, reduced risk of tolerance, and action at multiple target sites.1 For this reason, palliative care clinicians are increasingly considering its application earlier and in place of traditional analgesics, to provide an innovative and more effective way of managing pain in the palliative care setting.2 The aim of this project is to evaluate the clinical outcomes experienced by palliative care patients who have been switched from other opioids to methadone for the management of their pain. The data gathered will be used to evaluate the benefits and disadvantages of this practice in a local Palliative Care Unit, inform future development of drug protocols and add to the body of literature that supports the use of methadone in the palliative care setting. Techniques/Methods: Quantitative analysis Selected Publications: 1. Peirano GP, et al. (2016). Methadone as first-line opioid treatment for cancer pain in a developing country palliative care unit. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24, 3551-6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3191-5, 10.1007/s00520-016-3191-5 2. McPherson ML, et al. (2019). Safe and Appropriate Use of Methadone in Hospice and Palliative Care: Expert Consensus White Paper. Journal of Pain & Symptom Management, 57, 635-645.e4.

The objectives of my research includes investigating approaches to optimise patient care, through pharmacological and non-pharmacological means, in the palliative care setting. This includes the management of common symptoms which can impact patient quality of life such as delirium and pain.


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Professor Sid Patanwala My research pertains to the comparative effectiveness and safety of medications in the critically ill. This includes the therapeutics of medications used in the real-world setting and their effect on patient outcomes. Projects usually involve patients in the intensive care units or emergency departments. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Camperdown Campus and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-

health/about/our-people/academic-staff/asad-patanwala.html • Research Group: 1 Honours student, 2 PhD students, 1 post-doc,

pharmacists and physicians at RPAH Project 1: Vasopressor use in the critically ill Co-Supervisors: Sujita Narayan (Post-Doctoral Fellow), David Gattas (ICU Physician, RPAH) Project Summary: Sepsis is a life-threatening dysregulated response to infection. Some of these patients develop septic shock which is a severe form of sepsis. In patients with septic shock, blood pressure decreases to non-physiological levels and this may result in death. Vasopressors are needed to increase blood pressure to improve the chances of survival in the critically ill. These agents are typically administered as a continuous infusion and titrated to sustain a mean arterial pressure of >65 mm Hg. The first-line vasopressor agent is norepinephrine. In patients with refractory shock, a second additional vasopressor agent may be needed. However, the optimal second vasopressor to use or sequence of use of secondary vasopressors is unknown. This project will involve 1) a scoping review of second-line vasopressors and their effects of outcomes, 2) comparative study using a U.S. national database to compare second-line agents with regard to mortality. Techniques/Methods: scoping review, clinical aspects of the care of the critically ill hospitalised patient, data managements, and data analysis (STATA or your preferred software) Selected Publication: Avni T, Lador A, Lev S, Leibovici L, Paul M, Grossman A. Vasopressors for the treatment of Septic Shock: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. PLoS One. 2015 Aug 3;10(8):e0129305

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Dr Jonathan Penm Dr Penm’s research focuses on improving hospital pharmacy services and the use of high-risk medicines, such as opioid medications and antimicrobials, in the hospital setting. Dr Penm is interested in health service research that focuses on developing and implementing evidence informed strategies and system level-interventions (e.g. education, policy, technology) to improve the use of medicines and minimise medication-related harms. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: N371, Pharmacy Building • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/jonathan-penm.html • Research Group: 1 Honours student, 2 PhD students, pharmacists, physiotherapists, nurses and

physicians at Prince of Wales, Sutherland and Fairfield Hospital Project 1: Clinician and patient perceptions of opioid weaning before hip and knee replacement surgery Co-Supervisors: Prof Asad (Sid) Patanwala, Dr Jennifer Stevens (Anaesthetist, St Vincent’s Hospital) Project Summary: Regular opioid use in patients before hip or knee replacement surgery is associated with greater opioid doses, duration, worsened postoperative pain and surgical outcomes. Nguyen et al. (2016) provide preliminary evidence that reducing these patients’ opioid use before surgery improves post-surgical outcomes similar to opioid naïve patients.1 This research involves qualitative one-on-one semi-structured interviews with pharmacists, doctors, nurses and patients on the implementation of opioid weaning before surgery. Techniques/Methods: Qualitative interviews (Telephone or Zoom). NVivo to assist with thematic analysis. Selected Publication: 1. Nguyen L, Sing D, and Bozic K. Preoperative reduction of opioid use before total joint arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty 2016. 31(9): 282-287. Project 2: Development of a tool to predict opioid-related adverse drug events in hospitalised patients Co-Supervisors: Dr Danijela Gnjidic, Prof Asad (Sid) Patanwala Project Summary: Within Australian hospitals, opioids are consistently linked to serious medication safety incidents. A previous study found that 14% of patients on opioids in hospital experienced an opioid-related adverse drug event and that these patients had a 55% longer length of stay.1 Although patient risk factors for these adverse events have been identified, it is unclear how multiple risk factors should be handled by clinicians and how well these risk factors can predict adverse drug events. this project aims to develop and validate a tool to predict opioid related adverse drug events in hospitalized patients using identified risk factors. Techniques/Methods: Data entry and a range of statistical data analyses (SPSS software) Selected Publication: 1. Kessler ER, Shah M, K. Gruschkus S, Raju A. Cost and quality implications of opioid-based postsurgical pain control using administrative claims data from a large health system. Pharmacotherapy 2013;3(4):383-91.


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Dr Rebecca Roubin Digital Health and Pharmacy education – learning and teaching, assessments • Contact: 9036 7104, [email protected] • Location: Rm 412, Pharmacy Badham Building • Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-

people/academic-staff/rebecca-roubin.html • Research Group: 7 capstone MPharm students, 1 summer BPharm

student Project 1: Digital health innovations, pandemics, and pharmacy education - cohesive alignment with stakeholder opinions Co-Supervisor: Prof Bandana Saini Project Summary: To explore the perspective of final year (BPharm and MPharm) students and pharmacy practitioners about digital health education and pharmacy curricula. You will Develop an open-ended focus group discussion (FGD) guide, based on the literature and the education delivery experience of the research group. The FGD guide will have two main parts 1) Current training and practice and 2) Future training and practice. The latter part of the guide will contain brief video snippets and exemplars of digital health innovations to stimulate discussions and reflection. You will Recruit approximately 30 final year students (for 4 focus groups) and 25 practicing pharmacists/pharmacy educators (for 3 focus groups) and conduct focus group discussions. The focus group with students will be led by an experienced collaborator from outside the School. You will Analyse the transcribed focus group discussions inductively using thematic analysis, Prepare a Document feeder for Pharmacy Curricula that depicts the stakeholder’s key recommendations, and manuscript for publication. Techniques/Methods: qualitative methods (focus groups) Selected Publication: Waseh S, Dicker AP. Telemedicine training in undergraduate medical education: mixed-methods review. JMIR Med Educ. 2019;5:e12515. Project 2: Educating and Assessing an integrated curriculum in Pharmacy Co-Supervisors: A/Prof Betty Chaar and A/Prof Rebekah Moles Project Summary: The project will develop evaluation tools of student competence levels after undertaking integrated curricula in pharmacy education, to better inform Pharmacy curriculum reviews. You will develop a survey and an online MCQ competency test based on previous objective structured clinical examinations (OSCE), Develop a preceptor/employer survey investigating their experiences and perspectives regarding competence of pharmacy graduates, Conduct face-validation testing of the survey and online test on current cohort of integrated curriculum students in the Pharmacy programs, Post the online test and surveys on suitable internet platforms, preferably those belonging to professional pharmacy bodies, to pharmacy graduates that had undergone integrated vs non-integrated curriculum, Analyse survey data collected pre- and post the completion of the online test, Conduct interviews with some of the survey participants to gain a deeper understanding of their views on online MCQ competency test. Techniques/Methods: Mixed method approach will be adopted: simple quantitative [pre-post test surveys] and qualitative methods (focus groups) will be utilised to elicit students’ perspectives on competence. This will involve online test development. Selected Publication: Husband AK, Todd A, Fulton J. Integrating science and practice in pharmacy curricula. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. 2014;78(3):63.

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Professor Bandana Saini Research Passion – respiratory and sleep pharmacy health services research • Contact: + 61 293516789; [email protected] • Location: Camperdown (Blacktown Hospital for Project 1) • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-

health/about/our-people/academic-staff/bandana-saini.html • Research Group: Pharmacy Practice (Sydney Pharmacy School), Sleep

and Circadian Group at the Woolcock Institute of Medical Research, the Brain and Mind Centre (USyd) and the CogSleep NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence

Project 1: Determining the prevalence of sleep disorders in end stage kidney disease Co-Supervisor: Ronald Castelino (Sydney Nursing/Pharmacy School) Project Summary: Sleep disorders are common in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and tend to be under-recognised by renal healthcare providers. These include sleep apnea, insomnia, hypersomnia, restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorders. Sleep disorders can affect the quality of life and some are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in patients with ESKD). The main objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in ESKD patients. Techniques/Methods: The study will be conducted at Blacktown hospital. Blacktown hospital is one of the 5 hospitals under Western Renal Service which provides renal replacement therapy for over 800 patients across Western Sydney Local Health District and Nepean and Blue Mountains Local Health District. Patients >18 years who are on dialysis will be invited to participate in the study. Patients will be screened using validated questionnaires such as OSA-50, International Restless Legs Severity Rating scale and the Insomnia Severity Scale. Selected Publication: Pierratos A, Hanly PJ. Sleep disorders over the full range of chronic kidney disease. Blood Purif. 2011;31(1-3):146-50. Project 2: Targeting sleep-wake disturbance in dementia: optimising sleep for healthy brain ageing Co-Supervisors: Prof Christopher Gordon and Dr Shantel Duffy Project Summary: Sleep disturbances affect 50-75% of older individuals. Dementia is the second leading cause of death and the greatest cause of disability among older Australians. To address this global epidemic of dementia, radical shifts in preventive health are needed. Sleep health is now considered a modifiable risk factor in the progression towards dementia, and sleep health needs to be better assessed and managed in older age groups to prevent cognitive function decline. This study therefore aims to explore how sleep disturbances are currently managed in aged care facilities. Techniques/Methods: We will conduct semi-structured interviews and surveys with aged care staff to map their knowledge of sleep-wake disturbances, beliefs and attitudes towards sleep and to document how sleep disorders are handled by these professionals. An important focus of the study will be to understand how sedating medications are used within aged care. Data analysis will employ the Theoretical Domains Framework to identify behaviour, barriers, and enablers related to nurses understanding of sleep-wake disturbances. This work is part of projects conducted within the CogSleep NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence. Selected Publication: Romanella SM et al. The Sleep Side of Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. Sleep Med. 2020 May 30:S1389-9457(20)30232-X. doi: 10.1016/j.sleep.2020.05.029.


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Dr Carl Schneider Current research interests involve optimising the Quality Use of Medicines. As the Australian population increases in age, there is a growing need to optimise the medications of older persons, particularly those with dementia. I am also interested in decision making and health education. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: N508, Pharmacy and Bank Building A15 • Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/ourpeople/academic-staff/carl-

schneider.html • Research Group: We currently supervise seven higher degree of research students and have a very

collegial atmosphere up here on Level 5. Sydney Pharmacy School hosts one of the largest groups of Social Pharmacy researchers in the world.

Project 1: Evaluating the dissemination and diffusion of deprescribing guidelines Co-Supervisors: Dr Danijela Gnjidic, Ms Aili Langford (PhD Candidate) and international collaborator, Dr Barbara Farrell (Bruyere institute, Canada). Project Summary: Guidelines are a way to support effective clinical practice. There is a growing body of literature on the factors that influence the effectiveness of clinical practice guidelines. One of the proposed reasons why guidelines fail to bring about change is that they do not reach, and are not adopted by the intended users. Deprescribing guidelines have been created for specific drug classes to empower clinicians on how to stop medicines, however guideline dissemination strategies and subsequent guideline diffusion has not been assessed. This mixed-methods study will involve the development and distribution of an international survey to organisations/individuals involved in deprescribing guideline endorsement, dissemination, modification or translation with follow-up interviews. Responses to this survey may aid in identifying barriers and enablers to successful guideline dissemination as well as identify time-lags between guideline publication, dissemination and translation. These findings may inform future dissemination strategies for newly developed deprescribing guidelines. Furthermore, through connecting with users of deprescribing guidelines, the utility and impact of deprescribing guidelines and accompanying knowledge mobilisation tools may be able to be gauged. Techniques/Methods: Survey development and validation, data collection and organisation, quantitative statistical analyses, qualitative methods. Selected Publication: Farrell B, Pottie K, Rojas-Fernandez CH, Bjerre LM, Thompson W, et al. (2016) Methodology for Developing Deprescribing Guidelines: Using Evidence and GRADE to Guide Recommendations for Deprescribing. PLOS ONE 11(8): e0161248.


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Professor Lorraine Smith My research centres around pharmacy services and patient experiences of long-term conditions. I am particularly interested in patient self-management, and how health professionals can modify their patient care practices to improve patient outcomes. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Camperdown • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-

staff/lorraine-smith.html • Research Group: Health Services Research; We are an international, multi-disciplinary team comprising

pharmacy, psychology and sociology researchers, supported by PhD and MPhil students, a Research Officer and Post-Doctoral Fellows.

Project 1: Medicinal cannabis for the management of chronic pain: pharmacists’, physicians’ and regulators’ perceptions and practices Co-Supervisor: Dr Joanna Harnett Project Summary: People living with chronic pain are using cannabis more often to control their symptoms and live a more normal life. This is partly because there is some proof that cannabis works to reduce pain, but also because it is becoming easier to access where laws are changing, and restrictions are being removed. Australia and Canada both have federal government and state structures, yet there are important differences in how cannabis is being regulated in each country. We will explore and compare the opinions of policy makers and practitioners regarding these changes and how this impacts clinicians and their patients. This project will investigate the Australian and Canadian regulations around the prescribing and dispensing of medicinal cannabis for the management of chronic pain. The purpose of this collaboration is to build upon existing work to explore policy and clinical perceptions of the dynamic context surrounding access to cannabis in the case of chronic pain. Medical cannabis is approved for use in Australia and Canada. However, the regulatory contexts vary between countries, and the experiences of clinicians who are involved in prescribing, dispensing and treating patients using medical cannabis is little understood. Document analysis and interviews will be conducted with stakeholders. A workshop in each country will be convened to enable sharing of experiences and identification of the factors influencing the evolving process of access to cannabis. The outcomes of this research will be made available to Government and healthcare provider stakeholders and will inform a planned large multi-national study investigating patient experiences of using medical cannabis for chronic pain. Techniques/Methods: Qualitative design; The student will help with conducting interviews (telephone, face to face and video), and performing document and transcript analysis.


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Dr Sophie Stocker My research focuses on understanding variability in response to medicines and how this can be managed to optimise patient care. I utilise a diverse range of quantitative (ethnopharmacology, pharmacogenomics, therapeutic drug monitoring, pharmacometrics) and qualitative (interviews, surveys) approaches to evaluate the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on drug disposition, efficacy and safety. • Contact: [email protected] • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-

people/academic-staff/sophie.stocker.html?apcode=ACADPROFILE300808 • Research Group: 4 PhD students, 2 Honours students

Project 1: The use of pharmacogenomics to optimise antifungal therapy Co-Supervisors: Professor Debbie Marriott (St Vincent’s Hospital), Professor Jan-Willem Alffenaar Project Summary: Antifungal agents are the first-line treatment for invasive fungal infections (IFI). The dosing of antifungals is complicated due to their narrow therapeutic index and substantial pharmacokinetic variability. Genetic variation in drug metabolising enzymes has been associated with both sub-therapeutic (rapid metabolisers) and supra-therapeutic (poor metabolisers) exposure to specific antifungal agents including voriconazole and itraconazole. This project aims to identify whether genetic variation in drug metabolising enzymes impacts antifungal therapy choice. The results will guide future prospective studies on the need for patient genotyping for optimal precision dosing of antifungals. This project is based at St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. Techniques/Methods: The project will involve a review of voriconazole use at St Vincent’s Hospital to identify inpatients requiring change to alternate antifungal therapy due to sub-therapeutic or supra-therapeutic concentrations. These patients will then be prospectively genotyped. A subset of patients with optimal voriconazole exposure will also be genotyped (control). Skills taught include literature review, medical record review, data collection and analysis, patient interaction and manuscript writing. Selected Publication: Zubiaur P et al. Clin Pharmacokinet. 2020 PMID: 32939689. Project 2: Understanding adherence to urate lowering therapies – a patient’s perspective Co-Supervisor: Professor Parisa Aslani Project Summary: Gout, a common form of arthritis with significant impact on quality of life, can potentially be cured with optimal urate lowering therapy. However, adherence to urate lowering therapy is lower (<30%) than other chronic conditions (e.g. hypertension). Understanding adherence behaviours from a patient’s perspective is key to develop strategies to improve adherence. This project aims to understand (i) the factors contributing to poor adherence to urate lowering therapy and (ii) the perspectives and opinions of gout patients on strategies, including technological interventions, to improve adherence to urate lowering therapy. Participants will be recruited from St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney and the community. This study will inform the design and implementation of an intervention to improve adherence to urate lowering therapy. Techniques/Methods: Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with gout patients. Techniques include literature review, interview skills, thematic analysis and manuscript writing. Selected Publication: Latif ZP et al. Joint Bone Spine 2019;86(3):357-362. PMID: 30394337.


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Dr Edwin Tan I am passionate about healthy ageing and the important role medications can play in this. My research interests are in pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacy practice, quality use of medicines, and cognitive health and ageing. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Sydney Pharmacy School • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-

people/academic-staff/edwin-tan.html • Research Group: 1 PhD, 1 MPhil, 2 Honours, 1 research officer Project 1: Patterns of medication use in people with dementia Co-Supervisors: Prof Sarah Hilmer, Prof Yun-Hee Jeon, Jonathon Pye Project Summary: A major gap exists internationally in providing support to maintain functional and social independence of older people with dementia living at home. The Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-HARP)1 is a 4-month model of care, integrated in community aged care services and hospital-based community geriatric services. I-HARP aims to improve the functional independence of community dwelling older people with dementia. The program consists of home visits by an occupational therapist, registered nurse, and other allied health staff; minor home modifications/use of assistive devices; and individual carer support sessions. A multicentre pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) of I-HARP is currently being undertaken in the Sydney metropolitan area. This Honours project will utilise monthly medication data to investigate longitudinal medication use in participants (n≈100) over the 12-month study period. This will include examining drug classes used for the management of dementia and other conditions, measures of high-risk medication use, medication regimen complexity, and whether these patterns differ by intervention. Techniques/Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis; data analysis, visualisation and interpretation; manuscript writing. Selected Publication: 1. Jeon YH, Simpson JM, Low LF, Woods R, Norman R, Mowszowski L, et al. A pragmatic randomised controlled trial (RCT) and realist evaluation of the interdisciplinary home-bAsed Reablement program (I-HARP) for improving functional independence of community dwelling older people with dementia: an effectiveness-implementation hybrid design. BMC Geriatr. 2019;19(1):199.


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Dr Pegah Varamini In my laboratory, we develop new targeted therapies for the treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). TNBC is characterised with the most aggressive behaviour and has the poorest prognosis mainly because no effective targeted therapy is available. We fabricate, optimise and characterise advanced targeted nanoparticles and use different cell-based, animal models and imaging systems to evaluate the biological behaviour of our drug delivery systems (DDS). • Contact: [email protected] • Location: S237A, A15, School of Pharmacy • Academic Profile:

http://sydney.edu.au/pharmacy/about/people/profiles/pegah.varamini.php • Research Group: Cancer Targeting-Drug Delivery Group Project 1: A new strategy to overcome TNBC metastasis: combining novel targeted therapeutic candidates with an anti-Breast Cancer Associated Fibroblast (BCAF) agent Co-Supervisor: A/Prof Majid Warkiani (University of Sydney Technology) Project Summary: Breast Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (BCAF) have shown to be actively involved in breast cancer initiation, proliferation, and metastasis, leading to poor prognosis of TNBC. In this project, we investigate the antitumor efficacy of our novel targeted DDS in combination with an anti-BCAF agent in a co-culture of BCAF and TNBC cells in a 3D microfluidic cell culture device (MFD). We use this advanced technology to mimic the tumour microenvironment.. Techniques/Methods: 2D/ 3D cell culture techniques in MDF, BCAF generation, cytotoxicity assay (Alamar Blue), live-cell imaging (IncuCyte), receptor-mediated uptake (confocal imaging). Selected Publication: 1) Delavari, B., et al. and Varamini, P., ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 2019. 5(10): p. 5189-5208. 2) Aboulkheyr Es, H., et al., Integrative Biology, 2020. 12(7): p. 188-197. Project 2: Novel GnRH-conjugated nano-theranostics to treat chemoresistant TNBC cells Co-Supervisor: Dr Naisana Seyedasli (WIMR) Project Summary: One of the major reasons for the poor prognosis of TNBC is resistance to therapy and chemo -related adverse effects due to the lack of specificity of treatment. Nano-theranostics as a cutting-edge field, is used in this project to develop a novel targeted DDS that have the potential to treat chemoresistant TNBC cells and allow monitoring of the treatment. We first fabricate nanoparticles and then examine their antitumour activity in a resistant TNBC cell line. We will further investigate the mechanisms through which the nanoparticles exert their activity in these cells. Techniques/Methods: DDS fabrication/characterisation (HPLC and DLS), 2D/ 3D cell culture techniques, cytotoxicity assay (Alamar Blue) and live-cell imaging (IncuCyte), cell cycle analysis and apoptosis (Flowcytometry). Selected Publication: 1) Varamini P. et.al. (2017). Int J Pharm 521:327-ˇ336. 2) Zolghadr, F., et al. (2017). Insights in Stem Cells, 3(1:2), 1-3.

Microfluidic Device

B


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Associate Professor Nial Wheate My training is in medicinal chemistry (design and synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients) and pharmaceutical chemistry (design and manufacture of pharmaceutical dosage formulations). My research interests are particularly focussed in the improved delivery of established medicines and the drug delivery applications of macrocycles and nanoparticles. I also maintain an interest in the development of cannabis as a pharmaceutical product. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: S243 (Pharmacy Building) • Academic Profile: https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-

people/academic-staff/nial-wheate.html

Project 1: Medicinal cannabis use by Sydney-based patients Co-Supervisor: Ms Elise Schubert Project Summary: In 2016, the Australian government changed the scheduling of cannabis from S9 to S8 for medical purposes; however, while the rest of the world treats cannabis as a herbal and complementary medicine, Australia has taken an approach of treating medicinal cannabis as a pharmaceutical product, the same as all other medicines. This means that cannabis-based dosage forms must be manufactured to exact specifications, and before a product can be placed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) it must have undergone clinical trials to demonstrate safety and efficacy. However, even before a product is placed on the ARTG it can be available to patients through an Authorised Prescriber or through Special Access Scheme – B. Patients who access medicinal cannabis in these ways may do so for diseases and conditions for which efficacy has not yet been proven, and where an ideal formulation and dose has not be yet been determined. As such, there is likely to be variance between patients. In this project the student will work collaboratively with Cannabis Access (CA) clinics and Applied Cannabis Research (ACR) to analyse patient data that has already been collected by the ARC to examine aspects of efficacy, side-effects, drug-drug interactions, and reduced used of other medicines. The exact nature of the data to be analysed, and the goals of the analysis, will be decided closer to the selected student’s start date. This project may require the student to travel to Sydney-based locations run by CA and ACR.


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Associate Professor Fanfan Zhou My research group is a young and dynamic team with PhD students, visiting scholars/students and honours students. Our research mainly focuses on two themes: drug screening and development against human eye diseases & molecular characterisation of human Solute Carrier Transporters. We have widely collaborated with national and international experts in these two fields and welcome you joining our group. • Contact: [email protected] • Location: Room N502B, A15 • Academic Profile: https://sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/fanfan-

zhou.html • Research Group: 3 PhD candidates, 1 MPhil student Project 1: Develop novel therapies to treat human Uveal melanoma (UM) Co-Supervisors: A/Prof Michele Madigan, Dr Svetlana Cherepanoff, A/Prof Max Conway Project Summary: Uveal melanoma (UM) counts for ~85% of all ocular melanomas in humans. Up to 50% of patients develop metastases, with a poor survival of <18 months. We have screened compound libraries and found some candidate molecules that may be effective in treating human UM cells and preventing its metastasis. Next, we need to molecularly characterise these candidate compounds and validate our preliminary findings. We will use a range of molecular and biochemical assays to fully characterize the pharmacological effects of these candidate drugs in combating UM growth and invasion. This study will be built on several well-established in vitro UM cell lines. Our findings will contribute to obtain necessary and critical pre-clinical data for the therapeutic application of these candidate compounds in treating UM. Techniques/Methods: tissue culture, cell viability assay, western blot, flow cytometry Selected Publication: Exp Cell Res. 2019 Jul 22:111509 & Exp Eye Res. 2018 Dec 19;180:92-101. Project 2: Find novel drug delivery carriers for retinal disease treatment Co-Supervisors: Dr Ling Zhu, Dr Ting Zhang, A/Prof Wojciech Chrzanowski Project Summary: Retinal diseases can be treated by injections directly into the eyes, but such therapy is invasive and not very specific. It is highly desired that we can targeted deliver therapies to the specific types of retinal cells. In this project, we aim to find novel nano-particles to improve the selectivity of therapies delivered into the specific type of retinal cells. The study will be built on several in vitro retinal cell models and the unique human retinal explant system. The outcome of the project will contribute to identifying novel drug delivery carriers for retinal disease treatment. The student may need to perform some experiments at the Save Sight Institute. Techniques/Methods: tissue culture, cell viability assay, western blot, flow cytometry, HPLC Selected Publication: Exp Cell Res. 2019 Jul 22:111509 & Exp Eye Res. 2018 Dec 19;180:92-101.

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Honours Projects - The University of Sydney

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