Pharmacist and PhD researcher Hannah Cleary is advancing the field of drug delivery by focusing on long-acting injectables (LAIs). Cleary, who is in her final year of doctoral studies at the SSPC, believes that her work bridges the gap between scientific research and clinical care. She emphasizes the need for “trust and transparency in scientific communication,” particularly in light of recent global health challenges.
Based at Trinity College Dublin, Cleary is part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Transformative Pharmaceutical Technologies, a collaboration among SSPC, University College London, and University of Nottingham. Her research aims to enhance the understanding of how LAIs are absorbed in the body. These innovative formulations can provide medication over extended periods, which is crucial for maintaining consistent drug levels and improving patient adherence.
Understanding Long-Acting Injectables
The complexity of designing effective LAIs lies in the absorption mechanisms that govern their performance. When injected into muscle tissue, these formulations create a depot where the drug gradually dissolves and enters the bloodstream. Cleary’s research investigates various factors that influence this absorption process, including local physiological conditions and the pharmaceutical properties of the formulation itself.
Utilizing a combination of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) computational modeling and laboratory testing, the research aims to develop predictive dissolution tests for LAIs. These advancements could optimize formulation design, reduce development costs, and ultimately enhance patient safety and adherence. Cleary explained, “By improving our mechanistic understanding of LAIs through PBPK modeling, we can tailor formulations not only for efficacy but also for patient lifestyle and preferences.”
Inspiration and Impact
Cleary’s journey into pharmaceutical research has been shaped by a variety of influences. Her formative years in secondary school, where science was a primary focus, played a significant role in her decision to pursue a career in this field. Teachers like Mrs. Greene and Mrs. Sweeney inspired her curiosity and critical thinking. Their guidance encouraged her to explore the intersection of scientific research and real-world applications.
One poignant experience that reinforced her commitment to research involved a project examining the impact of a physiotherapist-led program on patients with Parkinson’s disease. Cleary noted, “Seeing how difficult it was for a man with Parkinson’s to write down his medications reminded me that research is about enhancing a person’s quality of life.”
As she continues her research, Cleary aims to challenge the misconception that pharmaceutical research is detached from patient care. She asserts that understanding how drug formulations behave in the body is vital for informing how medicines are prescribed and experienced by patients.
“Computational models can seem abstract, but they’re powerful tools that help us simulate complex biological systems,” she explained. Cleary uses everyday analogies to communicate her research, likening in vitro dissolution testing to brewing tea. “The tea leaves represent the drug, and the tea bag acts as the depot. As the tea steeps, the granules dissolve just as the drug does in the body,” she said.
Cleary’s commitment to engaging with the public through science outreach and conference presentations further demonstrates her belief in the importance of effective communication in research. By sharing her findings beyond the academic community, she hopes to foster meaningful discussions about the therapies that her work supports.
As the landscape of pharmaceutical research continues to evolve, Hannah Cleary remains at the forefront, committed to developing patient-centered therapies that enhance medication access and adherence. Her work exemplifies the vital role of pharmacists in advancing healthcare through innovative research and community engagement.
