Dr. Lisa Rohan
Transforming global health through pharmaceutical innovation, integrating formulation science, mechanistic modeling, and clinical translation.
Projects
Designing vaginal films as discreet, low cost, scalable and acceptable drug delivery platforms
With over 20 years of innovation in polymeric vaginal film technologies, our lab develops quick‑dissolve and extended‑release delivery systems tailored to real users’ needs through integrated formulation science, polymer engineering, and human‑centered design. Our diverse pipeline spans HIV and STI prevention, nonhormonal contraception, women’s health, and cold‑chain‑free vaccine alternatives. 11 of our film formulations have advanced into clinical evaluation, demonstrating strong safety, high acceptability, and promising clinical potential.
Integrated in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical approaches for modeling of the female reproductive tract
Our laboratory advances physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for the female reproductive tract drug delivery by integrating in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical data including drug‑release, physicochemical properties, permeability, transport/absorption/metabolism, gene expression, anatomical measurements, and pharmacokinetic profiles in biologically relevant compartment.
Together, these approaches bridge key knowledge gaps in drug biodistribution, strengthen PBPK modeling as a novel approach methodology, and support better design, development, and quality control of women’s health products, ultimately help reduce reliance on animal testing.
Pioneering drug-drug interaction research in the female reproductive tract
Our laboratory was the first to identify key drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes in the female reproductive tract, generating foundational data that inform PBPK modeling and drug‑delivery strategies for vaginal products. We also conducted comprehensive drug–drug interaction (DDI) studies relevant to the female reproductive tract. One example is our work to support the regulatory filing of the dapivirine intravaginal ring, the first in class HIV prevention option for women. Research in this area is continuing to generate additional insight into the interplay between physiological aspects of the female human body and drug disposition.
Broad spectrum antiviral nasal spray for rapid, on demand protection
Our laboratory developed a broad‑spectrum Q‑Griffithsin (Q‑GRFT) nasal spray for preventing COVID‑19 and other respiratory viral infections. It targets the primary entry point for respiratory pathogens, the nasal cavity, without relying on immune response. Formulated to be shelf‑stable, affordable, and used on‑demand, especially benefiting vulnerable populations including elderly, immunocompromised, or unvaccinated individuals. It has demonstrated safety, stability, effective nasal deposition, and completed three Phase I trials with safety profiles and promising early efficacy.
