Pharmacy Graduate Student Earns AAPS Abstract Award

Mostafa’s abstract, titled “Influence of Composition Variation on Solubility and Release Profile of CBD Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System,” captured the essence of her work to improve drug delivery of CBD to optimize its therapeutic effects. 

The award is presented to the top 10% of abstract submissions from graduate students, postdoctoral candidates and primary investigators with less than three years of experience. This was the first abstract by Mostafa, a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery who originally hails from Cairo, Egypt.

“Receiving this award for my first abstract is an extraordinary honor and a deeply fulfilling experience,” Mostafa said. “As my first research work, this recognition is especially meaningful and reinforces my passion for pharmaceutical research.

“It has boosted my confidence in my abilities and is a strong foundation for my future achievements. This milestone will undoubtedly provide new prospects and motivate me to seek excellence in my work with even greater determination.”

Mostafa’s abstract represents a research study focused on enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of CBD to increase its effectiveness. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, is well known for its pharmacological benefits, particularly in the treatment of seizures in children.

However, its effectiveness is limited due to poor water solubility and excessive breakdown by liver enzymes.

“We used the self-emulsifying drug delivery systems approach to develop the CBD formulations,” Mostafa said. “This approach has the potential to improve CBD solubility and avoid metabolism in the liver, leading to better therapeutic outcomes.” 

Mostafa is a student in the lab of Eman Ashour, assistant professor of pharmaceutics and drug delivery and graduate program coordinator.

“Working with Dr. Ashour has been a transformative experience, and nothing I have achieved would have been possible without her unwavering support and guidance,” Mostafa said. “She has had an immense impact on my life, not only shaping my career but also influencing my personal growth.

“She creates an amazing work environment where lab mates collaborate easily and enjoy working together. Her mentorship has taught me how to approach challenges with confidence and creativity, and her ability to make complex situations manageable has truly made life easier.”

Ashour praised Mostafa for her hard work as she celebrates the win for the team at large.

“My lab research heavily focuses on cannabis drug delivery, particularly CBD formulation development,” Ashour said. “I am incredibly proud of Nourhan for receiving this award at a premier pharmaceutical conference like the AAPS PharmSci 360 meeting.

“This recognition reflects Nourhan’s dedication, creativity and the rigorous effort she has put into CBD formulation development research. This award is not only a recognition for Nourhan but for our research group and the School of Pharmacy.”