Research Projects
Development of Inhalable Dry Powder Formulations for Treatment of COVID-19

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop an inhaled drug powder formulation via cocrystal engineering and nanotechnology for COVID-19. Specifically, we plan to:

1. To formulate and fabricate an inhalable drug cocrystal/nanoparticles using spray drying technology
2. To characterise the physicochemical and pharmaceutical properties of the spray-dried formulations 
3. To elucidate the influence of different processing parameters of spray drying on the integrity and aerosol performance of the resultant inhalable powder 
4. To evaluate the bioperformance  of the powder via in vitro and in vivo studies

Students with prior knowledge and experience in pulmonary drug delivery, cocrystal engineering and/or nanoparticles fabrication are strongly encouraged to join this interesting project.

Dr ASF Chow, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy

Dr Aviva SF Chow currently is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy at the University of Hong Kong (HKU). With a mixed training in chemical engineering and pharmaceutical sciences, Dr Chow’s research expertise is in advanced drug delivery using cocrystal engineering and nanotechnology. He has published a number of research papers in leading journals (e.g., Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Molecular Pharmaceutics) regarding fabrication of drug cocrystals and nanoparticles. Prior to joining the HKU, he worked as a Technical Lead and Research Scientist at Jacobson Pharma Corporation Limited for drug development and product reformulation.

Biography
Google Scholar
asfchow@hku.hk

For more information or to express interest for this project, please email the supervisor or the specified contact point in the project description.  Interested candidates are advised to enclose with your email:

1. your CV,
2. a brief description of your research interest and experience, and
3. two reference letters (not required for HKUMed UG students seeking MRes[Med]/URIS projects).

Information on the research programme, funding support and admission documentations could be referenced online at the Research Postgraduate Admissions website. General admission enquiries should be directed to rpgmed@hku.hk.

HKUMed MBBS students interested in the Master of Research in Medicine (MRes[Med]) programme may visit the programme website for more information.  

HKUMed UG students interested in the Undergraduate Research Internship Scheme (URIS) may visit the scheme’s website for more information.