LPU Scholar Rubiya Khursheed Develops A New Method For Improved Diabetes Drug Delivery

Rubiya Khursheed, a Ph.D. research scholar at School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Lovely Professional University (LPU) develops a herbal formulation containing a combination of Synbiotics (a dietary supplement that combines prebiotics and probiotics) and curcumin (Haldi) that helps in the treatment of diabetes.

She recently made India proud by presenting her path-breaking research at one of the world’s foremost Pharma conferences, ‘AAPS (American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists) PharmSci 360’, held at San Antonio (Texas), USA. 15 Nobel Laureates, 6000+ Scientists and 600+ Pharmacy Industry representatives from across the world including Dr. Vivek H. Murthy, 19th Surgeon General of the United States, attended the conference.

Titled ‘Exploring the role of Synbiotics as a carrier to solidify Self-Nano emulsifying Drug Delivery System’, her research explores the usage of Synbiotics (a dietary supplement that combines prebiotics and probiotics) as solid carriers for a poorly soluble drug (curcumin) useful for the treatment of diabetes.

The emulsified drug is absorbed by the body easily, leading to a significantly lower dosage requirement of just 5 mg against 500 mg that is generally prescribed for Type 2 Diabetes. This not only brings down the cost of the medicine for the patients but also eliminates the side effects caused by high dosages like low blood sugar, upset stomach, skin rashes or itching. Interestingly, Rubiya has used mushroom polysaccharide as prebiotic and friendly bacteria probiotic to develop the Synbiotics, leading to it being 100% chemical-free and non-synthetic.

Rubiya Khursheed said, “I feel privileged to have got the opportunity to present my research at such a prestigious international platform before Nobel laureates and esteemed scientists. I am grateful to my alma mater and especially my mentors, Dean Monica Gulati and Dr. Sachin Kumar, who have played an instrumental role in guiding me throughout my journey.”

Khursheed is currently working on development of Nanocarriers for improving the oral bio-availability of poorly soluble drugs under the supervision of Senior Dean Dr. Monica Gulati, Dr. Sachin Kumar Singh and Dr. Sheetu at  LPU. She has already published thirteen research papers in reputed international journals, including ‘Drug Discovery Today’, ‘European Journal of Pharmacology’ and ‘Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology.

Hailing from the small town of Bagh-e-Mehtab, Srinagar, (J&K), 27-year-old Rubiya was amongst the select few student researchers from India who were invited to present their work at this global conference. Khursheed got the opportunity to engage with the industry’s best minds and discuss opportunities for her product to be commercialised.

Ashok Mittal, Chancellor, Lovely Professional University said, “We take immense pride in the fact that our student got the opportunity to present her work at such a prestigious international platform. We hope that she continues to excel and creates a major impact in the world of Pharma in the future.’’ 

“We have secured patent for her research and are now exploring the possibilities with nutraceuticals and herbal companies for commercialisation so that it can be made available to the masses”, he added.