Biotherapeutics and Bioanalytical Techniques

Biography

Dr. Abdel Omri obtained his PhD from Université de Montréal in 1996. After completing postdoctoral fellowships at McGill University and the University of Toronto (1996-1998), he spent more than 2 years as Research associate at NRC (institute of biological sciences in Ottawa) from 1998 to 2000. Dr Omri is currently Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry with a cross appointment to the Department of Biology, the Biomolecular Sciences PhD Programme, School of Rural and Northern Health PhD Programme. Dr. Omri’s research interests are focused on Lipid-based drug and vaccine delivery systems. His laboratory employs a multi-disciplinary approach to addressing the antimicrobial resistance to gram negative bacteria in cystic fibrosis patients and in medical devices implants. Dr. Omri is also involved in the education of undergraduate and graduate students through the coordination of several calendar courses in biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology and pharmaceutical technology. In addition to research, Dr. Omri is actively involved in the research training of both undergraduate and graduate students. Dr. Omri has served in administrative capacities in several international scientific societies. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed research articles over his career on various aspects of drug delivery and targeting in addition to several published book chapters and books (2). He has served on a number of Editorial Boards and Granting Agencies in Canada and abroad. Dr. Omri has 2 patents.

Research Interest

Liposomal delivery of antisense oligonucleotides, Liposomal delivery of antimicrobial agents towards resistant bacterial pathogens, Liposomal formulations of drugs and vaccine for oral delivery. Liposomes are used to protect the encapsulated agents from the harsh gastrointestinal milieu (low pH, phospholipases, and bile salts) and to enhance their absorption to the systemic circulation and to increase the efficacy of these agents while minimizing their frequency of administration. Special liposomal formulation will be prepared, characterized and assayed for their efficacy in vitro and in animal models.