Project Leader: Prof. Michał Marszałł, PhD, DSc
Medicinal chemistry and drug formulation technology are inherently interdisciplinary fields, integrating chemical, biological, pharmaceutical, and medical sciences. Discovering a pharmacologically active molecule in vitro represents only the initial step toward effective therapy; the critical challenge lies in developing an appropriate drug formulation that ensures stability, predictable action, and safe delivery of the active substance to the target site.
The primary aim of this project is to establish a priority research team at Nicolaus Copernicus University (NCU) in Toruń, specializing in advanced basic and applied research in modern drug delivery systems and innovative pharmaceutical formulations. The core team consists of staff from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum NCU, working closely with experts from the Faculty of Chemistry NCU in the design and synthesis of functionalized polymers and advanced spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, IR, XRD, FTIR). Collaboration with specialists in material modeling, mechanical and thermal property analysis, and biological evaluation of toxicity, biocompatibility, and drug safety is also planned.
Scope of planned research includes:
- Designing and characterizing innovative drug formulations with controlled and sustained release of active substances, particularly for chronic disease treatment.
- Utilizing Hot-Melt Extrusion (HME) technology for processing active substances and polymer carriers, as well as producing filaments for 3D printing.
- Developing inhalable drugs in dry powder form (DPIs) based on HME, targeting respiratory diseases such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, and asthma.
- Investigating the impact of polymer physicochemical properties on stability, bioavailability, and drug release profiles.
- Drug repositioning using advanced carriers, including lipid-based, semi-solid systems, and long-acting implants.
The complementary expertise of team members enables research covering both fundamental aspects (e.g., mechanisms of amorphization, polymorphism, crystallization) and translational applications aimed at implementing results in clinical practice and the pharmaceutical industry. The project also plans to expand the team by involving specialists in toxicology, biomaterials engineering, and PBPK pharmacokinetic modeling, broadening the research scope.
Within the next few years, the initiative aims to establish a strategic research center in drug formulation and delivery systems, capable of conducting contract research, industry collaboration, and active participation in international research consortia. This initiative aligns with NCU’s Development Strategy and European science policy priorities in biomedical sciences, emphasizing interdisciplinarity, translational research, and patient-centered personalized therapy.