Research Interests
Karl is open to applications for postgraduate research from suitably qualified applicants who meet the University's English language requirements (https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/), who have secured a source of funding for their studies, and who wish to pursue a research project in a relevant research topic.
- modified release drug delivery systems
- sustained and controlled release
- vaginal drug delivery
- vaginal ring technology
- polymeric drug delivery devices
- injection molding and extrusion technologies
- human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- HIV microbicides
- antiretrovirals for HIV prevention
- multipurpose prevention technologies (MPTs)
- mucosal vaccination
- silicone elastomers
- polyurethanes
- ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers
- in vitro release testing of drug dosage forms
- protein drug delivery
- long-acting contraceptives
- long-acting injectables
- 3D-printing of drug delivery systems
- bacterial vaginosis (BV)
- estrogen replacement therapy
- cervical ripening
- induction of labour
Current Research Opportunities
- Dip-coating as a strategy to modify drug release from silicone elastomer drug delivery devices
- A new combination drug delivery product for improved treatment of bacterial vaginosis
- Combination drug strategies for treatment of aerobic vaginitis
- Development of a silicone elastomer vaginal ring for controlled release estrogen replacement therapy
Public outreach & key achievements
Karl's research team have world-leading knowledge and expertise in the formulation, testing and manufacture of controlled release implantable drug delivery devices, particularly vaginal rings for HIV prevention and contraception. Karl's research team has worked closely with The International Partnership for Microbicides (https://www.ipmglobal.org) to help develop the first sustained release antiretroviral-releasing vaginal ring for prevention of sexual transmission of HIV. The dapivirine ring completed Phase III clinical testing in 2016 and has recently received a positive opinion/approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization for use in developing countries. Second-generation ring devices for HIV prevention and contraception are currently in early state clinical testing.
Research students
Name: Miss Xinyu Zhao
PhD title:
Years of Study: 2018– present
Country: China
Name: Miss Eugénie Guimier
PhD title: Modified silicone elastomers for reduced capsular contracture
Years of Study: 2020–present
Country: France
Name: Miss Xin Shen
PhD title: Multipurpose vaginal rings for HIV prevention and contraception
Years of Study: 2020-present
Country: China
Name: Miss Caixuan Wang
PhD title: Vaginal rings containing prebiotics and probiotics for treatment of bacterial vaginosis
Years of Study: 2020-present
Country: China
Name: Miss Siqi Wang
PhD title: A subdermal implant for controlled release of Vitamin D
Years of Study: 2020-present
Country: China
Alumni: Where are they now
Name: Claire Forbes
PhD title: Silicone elastomer gels for vaginal delivery of antiretroviral microbicides
Years of Study: 2009–2012
Country: UK
Current position: Senior Manager, Drug Product Manufacturing at Pfizer (UK)
Name: Susan Fetherston
PhD title: Novel sustained release devices for vaginal drug administration
Years of Study: 2007–2010
Country: UK
Current position: Senior Formulation Development Scientist at Almac Group (UK)
Name: Sandeep Kumar
PhD Title: A multipurpose prevention technology vaginal drug delivery device
Years of Study: 2012–2015
Country: UK
Current Position: R&D Project Manager / Technical Project Lead at Thermo Fisher Scientific
Name: Clement Haeck
PhD Title: Preclinical development of depot injectable formulations for combination contraception and HIV prevention
Years of Study: 2014–2017
Country: France
Current Position: Researcher / Population Council, USA