“Benefits should be conferred gradually, and in that way, they will taste better.”

General Intorduction...

My name is Anil Philip, and I am honoured and privileged to be serving as the Associate Dean of the School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Nursing, University of Nizwa. My PhD in Pharmacy (drug delivery) paved the way for my career and my journey into academia. In 2010, I joined the University of Nizwa as an assistant professor in the School of Pharmacy. The University of Nizwa's unique work culture enabled me to become actively involved in numerous school, college, and university committees, including being appointed Faculty Mentored Undergraduate Research Supervisor for the university. In addition, from 2012, our team received research grants from The Research Council, Oman, which advanced our strategic short and long-term research plans. Furthermore, the university generously supported our research efforts through backup equipment, laboratory setup, and analysis. In June 2014, I was promoted to Associate Professor at the University of Nizwa. I firmly believe that the University of Nizwa is an amazing workplace if you are willing to put in your best efforts.

Research Achivements... 

As part of my credentials, it was an honour to be a member of The Research Council of Oman's sectorial grant committee for health and social sciences. I feel humbled to be on the reviewer and editor lists of few reputed, peer-reviewed journals. My research objectives and achievements have been in controlling/modifying the release of small/large molecules targeted to GI space using phase transited delivery systems. I have worked extensively in controlled/ modified drug release systems and possess rich experience in digging the root cause and finding solutions for superior drug delivery systems. Currently, my lab focuses on developing nano-drug delivery systems, which can be targeted to the various body organs. Years of research work have resulted in articles published in highly reputed peer-reviewed journals, book chapters, and patents.

 “Benefits should be conferred gradually, and in that way, they will taste better.” Niccolo Machiavelli.  

The latest US patent (US Patent- 11,013,748) is the fruit of years of hard work, patience, and generous support from the university and pharmaceutical company. This is an original work with an in-house asymmetric capsular system containing nano-sized budesonide prodrugs. The uniqueness of this targeted drug delivery system is that it releases the drug in a controlled way only when the delivery system reaches the colon. The dosage form controls the drug release due to the asymmetrical nature of the membrane and eliminates the need for a laser-drilled (orifice) dosage form for the drug release. The controlled drug release is due to the osmotic pressure created by the salts inside the dosage form. The work helps in moving forward for a solution in IBD. Moreover, the work details can be found in the marketing adverts on various University of Nizwa's social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, etc. There have been 20 unique claims as a part of this patent.  

Gratitude...

I take this opportunity to thank the patent team (Prof. Ahmed bin Khalfan Al Rawahi, Prof. Ahmed Suleiman Fadil Al Harrasi, Dr Afaf Mohammed Weli, Ms Betty Annie Samuel, Ms Amna Naseer Al Senani). The University of Nizwa is the patent assignee, and all associated intellectual property belongs to the University of Nizwa.  I also thank Dr Salem Said Jaroof Al Toubi, Dean, CPN, and all my colleagues at the College of Pharmacy and Nursing for supporting and creating a research-friendly environment in the college. Also, special thanks to AstraZeneca, UK, for providing free drug samples of budesonide. 

I would like to thank God who has ever been so merciful, my well-wishers,  and all my dear students who have wished me well and have been a source of encouragement and support. 

God Bless you all.