Lucila Garcia-Contreras, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Phone (405) 271-6593 x47205

Fax (405) 271-7505

Office CPB 321

Email lucila-garcia-contreras@ouhsc.edu

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.


Publications & Presentations

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    1. Patil A, Garcia-Contreras L, Feng Y. Development of a CFPD-Based Virtual Next Generation Impactor (VNGI) to Predict the Aerodynamic Particle Size Distribution (APSD) of Respiratory Drug Delivery Products. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. 2025; 38 : 41

    2. Beathard A, Garcia-Contreras L. Influence of OHet72 Nanocrystal (NC) Concentration on the Properties of Aerosols Generated by Nebulization: Effect on its Activity against Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. 2025; 38 : 28

    3. Beathard A, Bourlon M, Garcia-Contreras L. Pharmacokinetics of OHet72 after IV and Pulmonary Administration: Implications on the Differences in Disposition between Species and Predicted Therapeutic Effect. Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery. 2025; 38 : 53

    4. Johnson P N, Ropp D L, Ranallo C, Chaaban H, Garcia-Contreras L, Neely S, Miller J L. Inhaled Tobramycin Usage in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients Without Cystic Fibrosis: A Pediatric Pharmacy-Association, Practice-Based Research Network Survey Study. The journal of pediatric pharmacology and therapeutics : JPPT : the official journal of PPAG. 2025; 30 : 332-339

    5. Johnson P N, Chang E, Cormack E, Hornaday K, Neely S, Ranallo C, Chaaban H, Garcia-Contreras L, Miller J L. Detectable Concentrations With Inhaled Tobramycin in Critically Ill Infants and Children Following Implementation of Standardized Protocol. The Annals of pharmacotherapy. 2024 : 10600280241282433

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Grants

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    1. Development of Contrast Agents to Facilitate Image-Guided Surgery. NCI. Start Date: 2023. End Date: 2028.

    2. Neuropeptide modulation of cerebral blood flow to improve neurological and psychological outcomes following TBI in the presence. DOD. Start Date: 2023. End Date: 2027.

    3. Selenium Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Infants with Intestinal Failure a Prospective Cohort Study. Misc Non-Federal. Start Date: 2025. End Date: 2026.

    4. “Effect of aerosolization on the stability and integrity of nano-formulations". Misc Non-Federal. Start Date: 2025. End Date: 2025.

    5. Preclinical assessment of exosomal drug delivery system using innovative tumor mouse model. Misc Non-Federal. Start Date: 2024. End Date: 2024.

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Awards and Honors

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                                                                                            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.  

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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.  




                        		 
                                                                                  
                        
                                                                               
 
                   
 
                
     
                
                 	                                        
                    
                                            	                           
                                                
                                                                                                                                                                               
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