Drug Delivery Research Group

The "Drug Delivery" research group seeks to find creative and innovative solutions to the current challenges limiting the therapeutic efficiency of many drugs such as low solubility, low permeability, low efficacy and high toxicity and resulting in poor patient compliance. We aim to develop novel platforms and smart delivery systems that ensure the effective delivery and tolerability of different marketed and new drugs in order to contribute to the overall enhancement of disease management and human health and to increase the cost effectiveness of such treatments. 

Our drug delivery research group is dedicated to advancing the field by exploring innovative approaches and technologies to overcome the challenges associated with traditional drug delivery methods. We aim to develop targeted and efficient delivery systems that can enhance drug efficacy, minimize side effects, and improve patient outcomes. Our research encompasses a wide range of areas, including nanomedicine, biomaterials, and controlled-release systems. By staying at the forefront of drug delivery research, we strive to contribute to the development of safer, more effective therapies for various diseases and conditions.

1. Nano-formulations to enhance the delivery of diagnostic and therapeutic agents
2. Novel non-invasive and user-friendly dosage forms and systems to enhance drug delivery and patient compliance 
3. Hydrogel scaffolds for controlled drug release and cell-based therapy 
4. Polymer-based and lipid-based systems for drug targeting.
5. Amorphous Formulation Development
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Technologies in Pharmaceutical Development
7. Cosmetics, Cosmeceuticals, and Personal Care Product Innovation

 

#	Title	PI	Amount	Dates
	Targeted Grant: Development of Novel Sublingual Nano-Delivery System for Hypertensive Urgency	Prof. Mark Rawas Qalaji	194,000	2025-2028
	External Grant: Transformative Research Priorities Readiness Program, Collaborative Grant.	Prof. Mark Rawas Qalaji	400,000	2023-2026
	Competitive Grant: Fabrication and Evaluation of Epinephrine Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Sustained Release of Epinephrine	Prof. Mark Rawas Qalaji	74,000	2022-2024
	External Grant: Development of Novel Sublingual Amlodipine Nanocrystals Tablets for the Treatment of Hypertensive Urgency.	Prof. Mark Rawas Qalaji	180,000	2021-2023
	Targeted Grant: Formulation and in Vivo Evaluation of Novel Pediatric Sublingual Epinephrine Tablet for the Treatment of Anaphylaxis.	Prof. Mark Rawas Qalaji	200,000	2020-2022
	Competitive Grant: Pegylated niosomes prepared using microfluidic technology for controlled release of Istradefylline: An approach to enhance nose-to-brain delivery	Prof. Mohamed Haider	120,000	2025-2027
	Targeted Grant: Graphene oxide quantum dots-targeted liposomes for early detection of colorectal cancer,	Prof. Mohamed Haider	200,000	2022-2024
	Competitive Research Project Novel Solid Forms to Improve Dissolution of Poorly Soluble Drugs: Molecular Insight, Mechanistic Understanding And Formulation Design	Dr. Amjad Alhalaweh	120,000	2024-2027
7	Competitive Research Project Molecular Processes Dictating Dissolution and Absorption Profiles of Multidrug Delivery Systems	Dr. Amjad Alhalaweh	120,000	2025-2028

 

• Prof. Mark (Mutasem) Rawas Qalaji received the Pharmacy Excellence Award (First Place) in Pharmacy Research and Evidence Translation, Emirates Pharmacy Society, Sep 13, 2026. https://eps-uae.org/2nd-emirates-pharmacy-society-conference/
• Prof. Mohamed Haider received UOS Annual Incentive Award for "Distinguished Faculty Member (Research category)" for Academic Year 2024-2025.
• Dr. Zahid Hussain received UOS Annual Incentive Award for "Distinguished Faculty Member (Research category)" for Academic Year 2022-2023.
• Prof. Mark (Mutasem) Rawas Qalaji received the UoS-Sharjah Islamic Bank Incentive Research Award, Sharjah, UAE for Academic Year 2021-2022.
• Prof. Mark (Mutasem) Rawas Qalaji received the Research and Innovation Award, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE, Feb 13, 2020. https://www.sharjah.ac.ae/en/academics/Colleges/Pharmacy/Documents/News/February-2020.pdf