PhD SCHOLAR
NIPER SAS NAGAR, India
Junia Akhtar is a Ph.D. scholar in the Department of Pharmaceutics at the National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SAS Nagar, Punjab, India. She holds an M.Pharm degree in Pharmaceutical Technology (Formulation) from the same institute, where she developed a strong foundation in advanced drug delivery systems, formulation design, and analytical methods.
Her doctoral research is centered on the development and evaluation of innovative localized drug delivery systems with a primary focus on topical and transdermal formulations. Specifically, she is working on in situ hydrogel platforms designed for the treatment of breast cancer. These systems are engineered to provide localized, sustained, and effective drug release at the tumor site while minimizing systemic toxicity. This approach not only enhances therapeutic efficacy but also addresses the clinical limitations associated with conventional chemotherapy.
In addition to breast cancer therapeutics, Junia has extended her expertise to other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. She has investigated topical formulations including phospholipid complexes, liposomes, and high-permeation vesicles that improve skin penetration and drug retention. Her work aims to provide safer, patient-friendly alternatives to systemic therapies, thereby reducing adverse effects while ensuring clinical effectiveness.
Junia’s research is supported by her proficiency in a wide range of analytical techniques, including HPLC, DSC, PXRD, rheology, SEM/TEM, and in vitro as well as in vivo preclinical models. She has actively presented her findings at national and international conferences and has contributed to peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals.
Through her academic journey, Junia has developed a vision of translating innovative lab-scale drug delivery approaches into clinically viable and commercially adaptable solutions. Her dedication reflects a broader mission of advancing pharmaceutical research to improve therapeutic outcomes and patient quality of life.