Sameer Joshi, BPharm, MS, MRes, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at PCOM School of Pharmacy, is researching ways to improve treatment outcomes for patients with difficult-to-treat infections.
Joshi’s research focuses on developing advanced drug delivery systems—specifically liposomes and lipid nanoparticles—to enhance the targeting and effectiveness of treatments for infections caused by pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as for complications associated with cystic fibrosis.
“Infections like those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and complications in cystic fibrosis often resist conventional treatment and significantly impact patient quality of life,” Joshi explained. “I’m passionate about developing advanced drug delivery systems that can improve therapeutic precision and outcomes, especially for vulnerable populations.”
These systems are engineered to target specific tissues, such as the skin or lungs, thereby maximizing local drug concentration while minimizing systemic side effects. This approach, Joshi believes, could yield more effective therapies for patients with persistent or complex infections.
The core hypothesis driving Joshi’s work is that novel delivery technologies, developed through technologies like microfluidics, 3D printing, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), can significantly improve the precision and effectiveness of antimicrobial and antiviral agents. These technologies have the potential to reduce systemic toxicity while maximizing the therapeutic impact where it matters most—at the site of infection.
This hypothesis is supported by a growing body of published work. Joshi has authored or co-authored numerous peer-reviewed studies featured in publications including Pharmaceuticals, Processes, Journal of Virology Research & Reports, Journal of Biomaterials Applications, and the International Journal of Pharmaceutics. His recent research has examined topics including encapsulation techniques, nanofiller-enhanced soft non-gelatin alginate capsules, and the formulation of anti-RSV liposomes.
One of the most eye-opening discoveries in his work, Joshi noted, is how critical the method of formulation can be to a drug’s success.
“It’s fascinating to see how fine-tuning these parameters can transform a drug's performance, especially in challenging infections like those in cystic fibrosis or caused by Staphylococcus aureus,” he said.
Yet it is not just the results that drive Joshi’s engagement—it is also the process. He described his path to research as a progression that began during his undergraduate studies in pharmacy and deepened through graduate and postdoctoral training in analytical bioscience and pharmaceutical analysis.
“I found my passion in creating innovative drug delivery systems that have real clinical impact,” he said. “Research became not just a profession, but a purpose—to bridge science and patient care through meaningful innovation.”
Part of that effort involves education. At PCOM, Joshi integrates his research into his teaching, offering students case studies and examples from his work that illustrate key concepts in drug delivery, formulation, and infectious disease treatment.
“I hope my students learn to think critically, appreciate the translational value of research, and feel inspired to pursue innovation in solving real healthcare challenges,” he said.
Joshi also emphasized the institutional support he has received at PCOM, which he credits as instrumental in establishing his research program. “The institution provided generous startup funding, which allowed me to acquire essential research equipment and supplies to launch my projects effectively,” he said. “I’ve benefited from excellent mentorship and a collegial, collaborative culture.”
As his work progresses, Joshi remains committed to translating his findings into real-world clinical applications.
“My research aims to bridge pharmaceutical innovation with unmet clinical needs by developing advanced drug delivery systems such as liposomes and lipid nanoparticles for more effective, targeted treatment of infectious diseases,” he said. “My long-term goal is to translate these formulations from bench to bedside, ultimately enhancing patient care.”
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