Pharmacist Hannah Cleary Advances Drug Delivery Research in Dublin

Pharmacist and PhD researcher Hannah Cleary is making significant strides in pharmaceutical research, focusing on novel drug delivery systems. Currently in her final year of a PhD program with the SSPC (Research Ireland Centre for Pharmaceuticals), Cleary’s work highlights the critical intersection of science and clinical care. Her research aims to improve the design and effectiveness of long-acting injectables (LAIs), which can administer medication over extended periods.

Cleary emphasizes the need for “trust and transparency in scientific communication,” especially in today’s climate where public engagement with science is increasingly important. “Researchers now have a greater responsibility to engage openly with the public, not just about results, but about uncertainty, limitations, and the process behind discovery,” she said in an interview with SiliconRepublic.com.

Research Focus: Understanding Long-Acting Injectables

At Trinity College Dublin, under the supervision of Dr Deirdre M D’Arcy, Cleary collaborates with other esteemed researchers, including Dr Nikoletta Fotaki from the University of Bath and Dr Tim Persoons from Trinity. Her research delves into how LAIs are absorbed in the body, exploring the mechanisms that govern their release and absorption. These formulations aim to maintain consistent drug levels in the bloodstream, ultimately improving patient adherence to treatment.

The complexity of designing effective LAIs arises from the limited understanding of how these drugs dissolve and are absorbed after injection. When an LAI is administered into muscle tissue, it forms a depot, where the drug gradually dissolves and diffuses into the bloodstream. Cleary’s work investigates factors that influence this absorption, including local physiological conditions and the pharmaceutical properties of the formulation.

To achieve her research goals, Cleary employs a combination of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) computational modelling alongside laboratory testing and imaging techniques. This multifaceted approach aims to develop predictive dissolution tests for LAIs, which could streamline the process of bringing these advanced formulations into clinical use.

Aiming for Patient-Centred Solutions

Cleary’s research is particularly relevant in the context of varied applications for LAIs, which range from antipsychotic medications to contraceptives and treatments for chronic diseases. Yet, the unpredictable behavior of these formulations can complicate their performance across different patient populations. By enhancing understanding through PBPK modelling, Cleary’s work aims to optimize formulation design, reduce development costs, and improve patient safety and adherence.

“Long-term, I hope this work contributes to designing more predictable, patient-centred therapies,” she noted. This vision includes tailoring formulations not just for efficacy but also for patients’ lifestyles and treatment preferences. Additionally, her research seeks to lower medicine costs by enhancing the development of generic LAIs, ultimately increasing accessibility for those in need.

Cleary’s journey into pharmaceutical research has been influenced by various experiences rather than a single defining moment. Her passion for science blossomed during secondary school, where she excelled in biology and chemistry thanks to inspiring teachers. One memorable piece of advice from her teacher, Mrs. Greene, encouraged her to maintain a diary of unanswered questions, a practice that has guided her research interests.

Through her academic career, Cleary has engaged in numerous projects, including research on pharmacy education and gender disparities in healthcare. These experiences have solidified her belief that pharmacy research extends beyond the dispensary, influencing patient outcomes and public health.

As she continues her research journey, Cleary faces challenges in communicating the value of model-based studies. “Computational models can seem abstract, but they’re powerful tools that help us simulate complex biological systems,” she explained. The growing acceptance of modelling in regulatory submissions underscores its importance in drug development.

To make her research accessible, Cleary often uses relatable analogies, such as comparing in vitro dissolution testing to brewing tea. “The tea leaves represent the drug, and the tea bag acts as the depot where the drug resides. As the tea steeps, the granules dissolve, much like how the drug dissolves in the body,” she elaborated. This simple analogy helps demystify a complex process and fosters a greater understanding of the science behind her work.

Cleary also enjoys sharing her research at conferences and engaging in science outreach activities. These opportunities allow her to connect with a broader audience, fostering discussions that could ultimately benefit future patients.

In summary, Hannah Cleary is at the forefront of innovative pharmaceutical research, working diligently to enhance drug delivery systems and patient outcomes. Her commitment to transparency and public engagement reflects a modern approach to science, where the impacts of research extend far beyond the laboratory.