Lucila Garcia-Contreras, Ph.D.

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Summary

The research goal of my laboratory is “Targeted Drug Delivery” and involves the rational design of dosage forms and their in vitro evaluation, which are used to design in vivo studies. In turn, the information obtained in in vitro and in vivo studies is used to understand the underlying reasons of the performance of the dosage form with the objective of improving its formulation design to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. 

   A recent project that illustrates this process is the formulation of a novel molecule with anticancer and antimicrobial activity for pulmonary delivery as nanocrystals or microparticles. In vitro evaluation included size analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and laser diffraction; stability, using (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). We determined the aerosol performance of these formulations using commercial dry powder inhalers and performed pharmacokinetic studies to determine the disposition of the drug after pulmonary administration to mice. Lastly, in collaboration with Dr. Jie Wu from the OUHSC Department of Pathology, we assessed the efficacy of the nanocrystals in a transgenic mouse model of adenocarcinoma.

   My laboratory also designs dosage forms for oral, vaginal and transdermal administration following same procedure.  A second line of investigation of my laboratory is the development of needle-less vaccines to provide mucosal and systemic immunization. We are interested in elucidating the role of cell mediated immune (CMI) response and humoral immunity to the overall protection provided by the vaccine. Examples of vaccines studied in my laboratory include vaccines against tuberculosis, West Nile Virus, Diphtheria and Shigellosis.

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Publications & Presentations

141. Wong W L, Garcia-Contreras L, Sampson S, Germishuizen A, Goonesekera S, Hickey A J, Fourie B, Bloom B, Edwards D E. Dry powder BCG vaccination by the pulmonary route is practical and delivers good immunogenicity in guinea pigs. 37th Union World Conference on Lung Health (International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease IUATLD). 2006

142. Garcia-Contreras L, Smyth H D. Dry powder and liquid spray systems for inhaled delivery of peptides and proteins. Journal of American Drug Delivery. 2005; 3 : 29-45

143. Garcia-Contreras L, Hickey A J, Cooney D J. Validation of the use of the guinea pig model as a tool to evaluate the efficacy of novel formulations and treatments for tuberculosis. American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists, Annual Meeting. 2005

144. Sung J, Garcia-Contreras L, Liu Y, Fiegel J, VerBerkmoes J, Elbert K, Hawi A, Prud’homme R, Hickey A J, Edwards D A. Formulation and in vivo results for a porous nanoscale drug delivery platform for tuberculosis. 36th Union World Conference on Lung Health. 2005

145. Sung J, Garcia-Contreras L, Liu Y, Fiegel J, VerBerkmoes J, Elbert K, Hawi A, Prud’homme R, Hickey A J, Edwards D A. Formulation and in vivo results for a porous nanoscale drug delivery platform for tuberculosis. 36th Union World Conference on Lung Health. 2005

Grants

16. Inhaled Caprazamycin for Tuberculosis Therapy . NIH. Start Date: 2011. End Date: 2015.

17. Inhaled SHetA2 (NSC 721689) dry powder aerosols as novel treatment for tuberculosis. State Agency. Start Date: 2014. End Date: 2015.

18. An inhaled dry powder formulation for the treatment multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. NIH. Start Date: 2013. End Date: 2014.

19. DEVELOPMENT OF CATIONIC PEPTIDE ADJUVANTS AND FORMULATIONS FOR A BIODEFENSE VACCINE. NIH. Start Date: 2011. End Date: 2014.

Awards and Honors

1. University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Carlisle and Lurline Mabrey Presidential Professorship. Date: 2020.


2. Respiratory Drug Delivery. Posters on the podium. Date: 2012.


3. Graduate Research Association of Students in Pharmaceutics Best poster presentation. Date: 1997.


4. Fulbright. Fulbright-Conacyt Scholarship. Date: 1993.


5. Diario de México. Diario de México Medal. Date: 1991.

Education

1. Degree: Post doctoral education. the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Date: 2001.


2. Degree: Ph D. The University of Georgia. Date: 1999.


3. Degree: MS. The University of Georgia. Date: 1995.


4. Degree: Chemist Pharmacist Biologist. National Autonomous University of Mexico. Date: 1991.

Administrative Assignments

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