Dengning Xia | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dengning Xia | Pharmacology | Best Researcher Award 

Prof. Dengning Xia, Sun Yat-sen University, China

Dr. Dengning Xia is an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, China. With a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics and international training experience in Denmark and the U.S., his research focuses on industrial pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, and biomedical engineering for drug and vaccine delivery. His work explores microneedle systems, nucleic acid and oral delivery, and translational drug formulation. He has received numerous talent awards, serves on editorial boards of leading journals, and has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers in top-tier pharmaceutical and biomedical journals.

Author Profile

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Dengning Xia’s academic journey reflects a strong and consistent commitment to the pharmaceutical sciences. He began his higher education with a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from the School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine in 2005. Demonstrating early promise and dedication, he continued his studies with a Master’s degree in Pharmaceutics from West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University (2005–2008), a program known for its rigorous training and focus on drug delivery systems. Pushing the boundaries of academic excellence, Dr. Xia earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Shenyang Pharmaceutical University (2008–2011). As part of his doctoral training, he participated in a joint research program at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark (2011), gaining valuable international research exposure and advancing his expertise in advanced drug delivery systems. His early academic experiences laid the foundation for a research career focused on innovation in pharmaceutical technologies.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Xia’s professional journey spans globally recognized institutions and industry positions, reflecting his deep-rooted experience across both academic and applied pharmaceutical sciences. Following a brief stint as Formulation Project Leader at Shanghai Haini Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (2011–2012), he moved into academia and research as a Postdoctoral Fellow and later Associate Researcher at the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences (2012–2017). His passion for translational research took him to the United States, where he worked at the University of Connecticut and later as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Research Scientist at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology (2017–2020). Since 2020, Dr. Xia has been serving as an Associate Professor (PI) at the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, a role he assumed under the prestigious “Hundred Talents Program.”

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Xia’s research spans industrial pharmaceutics, biopharmaceutics, and biomedical engineering, with a consistent focus on overcoming biological barriers in drug and vaccine delivery. His multidisciplinary work has led to impactful contributions in the following areas:

  1. 🧬 Overcoming Biological Barriers in Drug Delivery: He has developed innovative microneedle technologies, gastrointestinal and ocular drug delivery systems, and long-acting formulations that enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

  2. 💉 Vaccine and Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems: Leveraging cutting-edge piezoelectric systems and novel carriers, Dr. Xia is pioneering advancements in gene and vaccine delivery platforms, including low-cost electroporators and skin-based delivery.

  3. 🏥 Clinical Translation: His translational research bridges laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, facilitating the development of scalable pharmaceutical formulations and devices.

With over 40 high-impact publications, including in PNAS, Advanced Functional Materials, Journal of Controlled Release, and Science Robotics, Dr. Xia’s work is globally cited and well-respected.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Xia’s innovative work has earned him numerous awards and prestigious appointments:

  • “Pearl River Talents Program” Young Top-notch Talent – Guangdong Province

  • Pengcheng Peacock Plan – High-level Talent, Shenzhen

  • Outstanding Young Talent – Sanofi-CAS Shanghai Institute of Biological Sciences

  • Youth Innovation Promotion Association Member – Chinese Academy of Sciences

He serves on editorial boards for top journals such as the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics and Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, and is a trusted peer reviewer for over 10 major journals and national grant programs.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Xia’s work has significantly advanced the field of drug delivery science, particularly through his innovations in microneedle patches, oral and ocular formulations, and nucleic acid therapeutics. His research not only addresses practical clinical challenges but also offers low-cost, accessible solutions for global healthcare, such as vaccine patches for diseases like SARS-CoV-2 and Ebola. His collaborative projects with international scientists from the U.S., China, and Europe have amplified his impact, making him a key influencer in pharmaceutical formulation research and a valuable mentor to the next generation of scientists.

🧭 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Xia’s legacy will likely be defined by his ability to combine academic rigor with real-world solutions. His contributions to microneedle-based technologies and oral delivery systems are poised to transform how vaccines and drugs are administered, especially in low-resource settings. As a principal investigator and educator at Sun Yat-sen University, he continues to mentor emerging scientists, foster international collaborations, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in drug delivery science. With his track record, Dr. Xia is set to play a leading role in the next generation of pharmaceutical innovation, particularly in the realms of biodegradable drug carriers, smart delivery systems, and personalized medicine.

✍️Publication Top Notes

📘Preparation of stable nitrendipine nanosuspensions using the precipitation–ultrasonication method for enhancement of dissolution and oral bioavailability

Author: D Xia, P Quan, H Piao, H Piao, S Sun, Y Yin, F Cui

Journal: European journal of pharmaceutical sciences 

Year: 2010

📘Devices, Systems, and Methods for Facilitating Tissue Delivery of Drug

Author: MS Bhamla, G Byagathvalli, D Xia, MR Prausnitz

Journal: US Patent App

Year: 2023

📘Inflammation-retentive hyaluronic acid-mesalamine conjugate for enhanced oral therapy in ulcerative colitis

Author: Y Hou, J Yao, J Hu, D Xia

Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules

Year: 2025

Pratiksha Kshirsagar | Pre-clinical pharmacology | Best Researcher Award | 13450

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Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar | Pre-clinical pharmacology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar, University of Nebraska Medical Center, United States

Ms. Pratiksha Kshirsagar is a dedicated pharmaceutical scientist currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), USA. With strong academic credentials and hands-on research experience in both India and the U.S., she specializes in bioanalytical method development, preclinical pharmacokinetics, and drug delivery systems. Her work includes the development and validation of LC-MS/MS methods and conducting in vitro and in vivo DMPK studies for novel therapeutics targeting medulloblastoma. She has co-authored several peer-reviewed publications and presented her findings at national and international conferences. Ms. Kshirsagar is also a recipient of the UNMC Dean of Graduate Studies Conference Attendance Award and remains committed to advancing pharmaceutical research and translational drug development.

Profile

ORCID

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Pratiksha Kshirsagar’s academic journey is marked by consistent dedication and a keen interest in pharmaceutical sciences. Her educational foundation was laid at Savitribai Phule Pune University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Pharmacy (2016–2020) with an SGPA of 7.7/10 and a Master of Pharmacy in Pharmaceutics (2020–2022), graduating with distinction (SGPA: 8.96/10). These formative years laid the groundwork for her strong research acumen and laboratory skills. Keen to explore further, she transitioned to the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), USA, where she pursued a Master of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2022–2024). Her academic growth culminated in her enrollment in the Ph.D. program in Pharmaceutical Sciences (2024–2029). With a GPA of 3.6/4.0, her progress has been both steady and impressive. Simultaneously, she earned a Certificate in Applied Biostatistics with a perfect GPA of 4.0/4.0, showcasing her commitment to interdisciplinary learning and data-driven research.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Pratiksha’s professional experience is deeply intertwined with her academic path, reflecting a rare blend of scholarly rigor and hands-on application. At UNMC, under the mentorship of Dr. Daryl J. Murry, she has worked extensively as a graduate research assistant and student researcher, contributing to the development and validation of LC-MS/MS bioanalytical methods for novel small molecules and RIPTACs. Her earlier professional journey in India involved impactful research under Dr. Smita S. Pimple, where she explored micro-emulsions using essential oils and carrier oils for skincare applications. This early exposure to formulation science, coupled with analytical chemistry, gave her a solid foundation in pharmaceutics and laboratory research.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Pratiksha’s primary research focus lies in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK), with an emphasis on preclinical evaluation of novel therapeutic agents. Her notable contributions include the in-depth pharmacokinetic analysis of EPZ015666 and JNJ-64619178 for medulloblastoma treatment, reflecting her role in advancing pediatric cancer therapy.

Her technical expertise spans several key areas:

  • LC-MS/MS bioanalytical method development

  • In-vitro studies like metabolic stability, protein binding, and drug transporter assays

  • In-vivo animal studies, including oral/IV dosing and tissue distribution

  • Use of Phoenix WinNonlin, GraphPad Prism, and other analytical tools for pharmacokinetic modeling

Moreover, she contributed to the design, characterization, and stability testing of advanced nano drug delivery systems such as S-SNEDDS (Solid Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System), which demonstrates her interdisciplinary knowledge.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Pratiksha’s dedication has earned her notable recognition throughout her academic and research journey. She was awarded the UNMC Dean of Graduate Studies Conference Attendance Award in 2023, underscoring her academic excellence and potential for contribution at scientific forums.

She actively participated in esteemed conferences such as:

  • American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), Oct 2023

  • UNMC College of Pharmacy Research Day, May 2023

  • CHRI Pediatric Research Forum, May 2023

In earlier academic years, she was involved in state and national level conferences and poster competitions, including the Medical Coding & E-Poster Competition (2020) and a State Level Seminar on Natural Products Research (2018).

🌍 Impact and Influence

Pratiksha’s research holds real-world significance. Her work on small molecule therapeutics for medulloblastoma contributes to the body of knowledge addressing rare pediatric brain cancers, potentially guiding future clinical interventions. Her cross-functional approach—merging analytical chemistry, pharmacology, and pharmaceutical formulation—makes her an invaluable contributor to translational medicine. She has also co-authored several scholarly publications and book chapters on nanotechnology, drug delivery, and antiviral drug challenges, reinforcing her growing influence in the academic community. These contributions are cited in peer-reviewed journals and academic textbooks, evidencing her thought leadership.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Pratiksha continues her Ph.D. journey, her trajectory suggests a future as a leading scientist in pharmaceutical research and drug development. Her interests align with solving complex challenges in drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, and personalized medicine. Looking ahead, she aims to bridge the gap between bench-side research and bedside applications, translating scientific breakthroughs into therapeutic realities. Whether in academia, industry, or clinical collaborations, her vision is clear: to contribute meaningfully to global health innovation.

📄 Publication Top Notes

Crossing the Blood–Brain Barrier: Innovations in Receptor- and Transporter-Mediated Transcytosis Strategies

Contributors: Ling Ding; Pratiksha Kshirsagar; Prachi Agrawal; Daryl J. Murry

Journal: Pharmaceutics

Year: 2025

Preparation and Characterization of Advanced Nano medicine For Malaria: Box Behnken Design Approach

Contributors: Anuradha G. More; Parag R. Potbhare; Padmaja S. Kore; Praveen D. Chaudhari; Pratiksha U. Kshirsagar; Radhika R. Baheti; Surbhi C. Gupta

Journal: International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research

Year: 2022