Developing novel systems of drug delivery

Our research identifies new drugs and new drug targets, and explores innovative ways of testing and delivering them.

Research groups

We have two main focuses:

RespiTech's Pharmacology and Pharmacology Science – Drug Delivery group studies all aspects of respiratory pharmacology, with a focus on developing:

  • novel systems of drug delivery
  • innovative therapeutic strategies for respiratory diseases
  • in vitro physiologically relevant models for lung and nasal drug delivery.

Highly integrated with industry partners, we aim to enhance drug delivery mechanisms, optimise pharmacological treatments, and tailor therapeutic interventions to improve patient outcomes in respiratory health. Through cutting-edge studies, we strive to advance the understanding of drug interactions and delivery systems in respiratory health.

Group lead: Professor Daniela Traini

The molecular pharmacodynamics group study the how drugs, neurotransmitters and novel natural products interact with ion channels and G protein coupled receptors.

We use a range of assays, including novel systems we have developed, to understand the mechanisms of drug action and the potential consequences of receptor polymorphisms for drug effect. We focus on understanding compound efficacy and selectivity, in particular in cannabinoid and opioid systems, but also at ion channels related to pain and seizure disorders.

We explore the effects of:

  • natural products
  • endogenous ligands
  • drugs originally identified in unregulated markets
  • novel compounds being developed to meet poorly treated human diseases including pain, epilepsy, cancer and infection.

We collaborate with scientists and companies from all over the world in foundational in vitro studies aimed at understanding the molecular basis of drug action.

Group lead: Professor Mark Connor