Pharmaceutics research gap to be filled by joint venture
A new joint venture between the School of Pharmacy, University of London, and University College London Hospitals aims to plug a gap in clinical pharmaceutics research.
It is hoped that the venture — a new post of chair in clinical
pharmaceutics — will lead to research into novel pharmaceutical
formulations and drug delivery systems. Early results are expected in
the formulation of cancer drugs and delivery of peptides. Kevin Taylor,
currently a reader in pharmacy at the School of Pharmacy, will take up
the new post in September.
“The aim of the new post is to create a cadre of ‘clinical
pharmacist-scientists’ in
the area of pharmaceutical science,” commented Patrick Vallance,
head of the division of medicine at the Royal Free and University College
medical school. He explained that in the past, knowledge about the properties
of drugs and formulation was an everyday part of dispensing. “But
now, with an increase in pre-formulated and packaged medicines, pharmacists
have drifted away from this area and have become much more involved in
direct patient care. This has left a gap,” he said.
Professor Taylor said that he was looking forward to collaborating with
colleagues in undertaking drug delivery and formulation research in a
clinical setting. “Pharmacists have a unique contribution to make
as medicines experts, an expertise which is founded upon pharmaceutical
science. This position will enable me to work with and support hospital
pharmacists and clinicians undertaking research and development projects
which draw on that expertise,” he said.
Sandy Florence, dean of the School of Pharmacy, added that he saw the
initiative as an opportunity to re-engage hospital pharmacists in research. |
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Pharmaceutical Journal
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