Automated preparation of personalized medicines

Personalized medicine represents a paradigm shift from traditional “one-size-fits-all” pharmacotherapy toward individualized dose preparation at the point of care. This approach is particularly valuable in pediatrics, where commercially available dosage strengths often fail to meet individual patient requirements.

The Medimaker-1 platform provides a versatile solution for automated preparation of personalized oral dosage forms, such as blister-based gel tablets and capsules. This technology enables precise dosing and scalable small-batch manufacturing directly at hospital pharmacies or other compounding facilities.

The aims of the thesis are to develop semi-solid formulations suitable for filling capsules and blister molds, and to evaluate critical process parameters of the Medimaker-1 filling process. Drugs commonly administered in pediatric patients will be selected for potential clinical application at the University Hospital Basel.

Start: April 2026 or later
Location: Institute of Pharma Technology, FHNW Muttenz

Engineered anti-CD20-scFv expressing cellular membrane derived nanovesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are promising drug delivery tools as drug delivery systems due to their high biocompatibility, low immunogenicity and natural ability to transport bioactive molecules between cells. 

However, the therapeutic application of natural extracellular face challenges in yield, consistency, and targeting. 

To overcome these challenges, this project compares three functionalized platforms: nPMVs, natural EVs, and ApoEVs. Each is engineered with an anti-CD20 scFv to target CD20 cells. 

Our goal is to determine the most effective vesicle for targeted therapy and demonstrate that membrane engineering can significantly enhance the precision of bio-inspired nanocarriers. 

Suitable for Pharma, Drug Sciences and maybe Nanosciences
Project start: Flexible/beginning of 2026

David Wang

Megan Stierli

Non-viral gene therapy and genetic engineering via CRISPR/Cas9

Genetic disorders often cause severe health issues with limited treatment options, and gene therapy advancements remain hindered by high costs and safety concerns. One such disorder is Citrullinemia Type I, which results from a deficiency in the ASS1 enzyme, disrupting the urea cycle and leading to toxic ammonia buildup that can cause neurological damage and coma if untreated. To better understand this disease, the MSc student will contribute to developing an in-vitro model by using CRISPR/Cas9 to manipulate hepatic cell lines.

Project start: Flexible

Pharmazeutische Forschung

Wir können auch für das Jahr 2026 wieder eine Masterarbeit in Zusammenarbeit mit Partnern der Universität Toyama in Japan anbieten: https://www.u-toyama.ac.jp/en/outline/.

Die Arbeit wird in Japan durchgeführt und durch dortige Wissenschaftler begleitet. Verschiedene Themen werden angeboten in Fachgebieten der Pharmazeutische Biologie, Pharmakologie und Technologie.

Nicht mehr verfügbar

Formulation Optimization of 3D-Printed Pediatric Tablets Using Semi-Solid Extrusion

Project start: June 2025 or later
Project location: Institute of Pharma Technology, FHNW Muttenz

Details

Development of Probiotic Xyloglucan Matrix Tablets for Targeted Delivery of Live Bacteria to the Colon

Project start: June 2025 or later

Project location: Institute of Pharma Technology, FHNW Muttenz

Details

Nuclear import enhancement of DNA-Lipid Nanoparticles by NLS-peptides in vitro

The delivery of nucleic acids, particularly episomal DNA for long-term transgene expression, represents a promising strategy in gene therapy. While viral delivery systems have demonstrated efficiency, their application is often hindered by challenges such as high production costs and immunogenic responses. As a result, non-viral carriers, such as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), have garnered significant interest as an alternative. Despite their potential, research on DNA as an efficient cargo for LNPs remains limited. One key challenge lies in the poor intracellular delivery efficiency of DNA-LNPs, primarily due to insufficient translocation of DNA from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. This project aims to evaluate a novel strategy for enhancing the nuclear import of DNA-LNPs through the co-encapsulation of nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides, potentially overcoming existing delivery barriers.

Details

Formulation development of recombinant adeno-associated viruses used as gene delivery systems

The pharmaceutical market is currently transforming and advanced medicinal products (ATMPs) are entering the market. These comprise among others delivery systems such as viral vectors and specifically include recombinant adeno associated virus (rAAVs).

However, clinical and commercial rAAV products are currently stored at frozen state (e.g., -80°C) due to their limited stability when stored under refrigerated conditions for extended periods. For instance, Luxturna® and Zolgensma® are stored at -80 °C and their shelf-life is still limited to a duration of one year.

The aim of the Master thesis is to develop a formulation platform for rAAV products enabling storage at 2-8°C omitting the costly freeze/thaw supply chain, while maintaining product integrity, purity and effectiveness. The formulation platform will comprise a screening system capable of evaluating diverse combinations of viral vector concentrations, of suitable stabilizing excipients including pH/buffer systems, and other variables that influence the stability of rAAV products. The project will use various established analytical techniques including cell culture experiments to test the formulations.

The Master thesis project will start in March - July 2025 with a duration of 8-12 months in cooperation with the pharmaceutical company ten23 health.

Experiments will be performed both at the University of Basel (Pharmazentrum) as well as at the ten23’s labs at Rosenthal campus (Mattenstr. 22) in Basel.

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Master’s Thesis in Pharmaceutical Development (8 months) 

As our Masters’ Student you will actively participate in critical scientific research to develop solutions for real-world pharmaceutical & clinical problems benefitting the patients and caregivers. You will be guided by one of our experts to contribute to various aspects and challenges of pharmaceutical development. The role will predominantly include laboratory work with commitment of time and effort for the project. You are also expected to devote time for scientific literature reading and to produce/write self-review documents that would support your dissertation process. For further information please read here.

Porous microcapsules for the use of pediatric drug delivery 

We have designed a novel multifunctional inorganic carrier for oral drug delivery. These microcapsules allow for the establishment of a platform technology for the formulation development of child-friendly orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) which are currently tested in a clinical setting.

We are looking for a highly motivated master student who wants to work on an applied topic which connects basic research with clinical application. Your main research activities focus on drug loading and optimization of the novel carrier material. You will get the chance to develop new solutions for pediatric drug delivery and get hands-on experience with innovative technologies such as tabletop electron microscopy (SEM).

Theoretical Master’s Thesis in Pharmaceutical Development (8 months) - 

The theoretical Master thesis will conduct research at the interface between pharmaceutical drug product manufacturing of biologics and sustainability considerations. As Master’s thesis candidate, you will actively participate in critical scientific research to develop solutions for real-world pharmaceutical & clinical problems benefitting the patients and caregivers. You will be guided by one of our experts to contribute to various aspects and challenges of Pharmaceutical development. You are expected to devote time for scientific literature reading and to produce/write self-review documents that would support your dissertation process. For further information please read here.