Research
My Research Interests
My research centres on the therapeutics of Infectious diseases. I am particularly interested in
1 the pharmacology of antimicrobial drugs at their site of action, To study this, we use highly sensitive LC-MS/MS measurement of drug in plasma, body fluids (CSF, genital secretions, breast milk, urine), cells and tissues. Our externally accredited Bioanalytical Facility undertakes drug measurement to GCP standards
2 how (and why) drug exposure differs between individuals. This includes studies of special populations such as pregnant women, children, people with liver or organ dysfunction, extremes of body size and ages, and pharmacogenetic influences on drug exposure
3 drug-drug interactions involving HIV, hepatitis C and TB drugs. We have been involved in many clinical studies, and together with my colleague Professor David Back, have developed widely utilised prescribing support tools for iOS and Android smartphones (HIV iCharts; hep iCharts) and web-based resources eg HIV Drug interactions website and Hepatitis Drug Interactions website.
4 Antiretroviral deployment in sub-Saharan Africa, including interactions between HIV and TB therapy, non-communicable disease, pediatric therapy, perinatal transmission of HIV
5 the pharmacology of antiretroviral use as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreP)
6 quality of prescribing, medication error and long term adherence to antiviral therapy
This programme of work vitally depends on external collaborations, which we always welcome. We work particularly closely with colleagues at St Stephen's AIDS Trust, Imperial College/ St Mary's Hospital, Guys and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makarere University, the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Unit in Blantyre, and Magee Women's Research Institute.
Research groups
Research grants
Drug Optimisation in LMICs of Pregnant HIV women and their Infants: temporary switch to CAB/RPV long acting injections
UK RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
January 2024 - March 2029
Provision of a MassArray Mass-spectrometry based multiplex genotyping platform (Agena Biosciences).
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2023 - June 2025
A phase IIIB/IV randomised open-label trial to compare dolutegravir with pharmaco-enhanced darunavir versus dolutegravir with predetermined nucleosides versus recommended standard of care antiretroviral regimens in patients with HIV-1 infection who have failed recommended first line therapy.
UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES (AUSTRALIA)
March 2023 - December 2025
The impact of ectopic fat deposition on cardiac risk assessment in patients living with HIV. An MR spectroscopy cross-sectional analysis with HIV-negative individuals
BRITISH HIV ASSOCIATION (BHIVA) (UK)
December 2023 - December 2025
HIV Drug Interactions Research Programme - Ageing Tool
VIIV HEALTHCARE LIMITED (UK)
April 2011 - December 2023
HIV Drug Interactions Research Programme
GILEAD SCIENCES EUROPE LTD (UK)
January 2023 - December 2025
A randomized, double-blind (sponsor unblinded), placebo-controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of single DOSE in fed state, and repeat doses of DNDI-6899 in healthy participants (Start Up)
DRUGS FOR NEGLECTED DISEASES INITIATIVE (DNDI) (SWITZERLAND)
October 2023 - November 2025
HIV Drug Interactions Research Programme
FRONTIER BIOTECHNOLOGIES (CHINA) 🚩
June 2022 - May 2027
Platform Adaptive trial of NOvel antiviRals for eArly treatMent of COVID-19 In the Community (PANORAMIC)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
October 2021 - March 2025
Preclinical and clinical testing of a repurposed drug for use as an early oral therapeutic for tropical snakebite
ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE(UK)
November 2021 - November 2022
Doravirine Dose Optimisation in Pregnancy (DoraDO Study)
MERCK SHARP & DOHME LTD (UK)
December 2021 - February 2026
Drug-drug interactions between hormonal contraceptives and Dolutegravir-based ART in women of childbearing age in Botswana (CODA)
VIIV HEALTHCARE LIMITED (UK)
October 2021 - October 2025
New Branched Polymers Excipients and Emulsions for Enhanced Drug Delivery
ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2018 - June 2023
VIrTUAL - Vulnerable populatIon TUberculosis AntiretroviraL
EUROPEAN AND DEVELOPING COUNTRIES CLINICAL TRIALS PARTNERSHIP (EDCTP) - (NETHERLANDS)
February 2018 - July 2024
A prospective, observational study to examine the effects of ageing on the clinical outcomes of people living with HIV in England and Ireland (POPPY)
JANSSEN-CILAG LIMITED (UK)
January 2017 - March 2023
The time to protection and adherence requirements of Raltegravir with or without 3TC in protection from HIV-1 infection (R-PREP)
MERCK SHARP & DOHME LTD (UK)
July 2017 - June 2020
Two-month Regimens Using Novel Combinations to Augment Treatment Effectiveness for drug-sensitive Tuberculosis (TRUNCATE)
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (SINGAPORE)
September 2020 - August 2022
An open-label, multi-centre, randomised, switch study to evaluate the virological efficacy over 96 weeks of 2-drug therapy with DTG/RPV FDC in antiretroviral treatment-experienced HIV-1 infected subjects virologically suppressed with NNRTIs resistance mutation K103N (WISARD)
NEAT ID FOUNDATION (BELGIUM)
November 2018 - October 2023
Liverpool COVID-19 Drug Interactions
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
June 2020 - June 2021
A randomised, controlled, open-label, phase II-III trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of regimens containing bedaquiline and pretomanid (PA-824) for the treatment of adult patients with pulmonary multidrug resistant tuberculosis (TB-PRACTECAL)
MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES NEDERLAND (ARTSEN ZONDER GRENZEN) (NETHERLANDS)
February 2020 - February 2025
COVID-19 Drug Interactions Research Programme
ABBVIE LTD (UK), GILEAD SCIENCES EUROPE LTD (UK), GLAXOSMITHKLINE (UK), MERCK & CO., INC. (USA), NOVARTIS INTERNATIONAL AG (SWITZERLAND), PFIZER INC (USA), SHIONOGI B.V EUROPE - (NETHERLANDS)
March 2020 - June 2025
Assessing druGs for COVID19 In early cLinical phase Expeditiously (AGILE)
GLAXOSMITHKLINE (UK)
January 2021 - December 2022
Novel mechanisms contributing to failure of dolutegravir-containing cART in clinical practice
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (USA)
August 2019 - July 2025
A feasibility study to assess the effects of antiretroviral intensification with cenicriviroc for the management of HIV-associated cognitive impairment
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
November 2016 - July 2018
Dolutegravir in Pregnant HIV mothers and Neonates (DolPHIN2)
UNITAID (SWITZERLAND)
December 2016 - July 2023
Computational models for the prediction of PK in special populations
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL BASEL (SWITZERLAND)
January 2017 - January 2020
The Central Nervous System Effects of Two Different HIV-Integrase Inhibitor (INI) Containing Antiretroviral Regimens. ‘The CNS Integrase Inhibitor Study’
VIIV HEALTHCARE LIMITED (UK)
November 2016 - October 2017
Cancer Drug Interactions Research Programme
ABBVIE LTD (UK), BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB PHARMACEUTICALS LTD (UK), GILEAD SCIENCES EUROPE LTD (UK), IPSEN INNOVATION (FRANCE), RADBOUD UNIVERSITY (NETHERLANDS)
January 2017 - December 2023
Co-morbidity in relation to AIDS (COBRA)
RADBOUD UNIVERSITY (NETHERLANDS)
October 2016 - April 2019
Assessment of TMC-278LA
MAGEE-WOMENS RESEARCH INSTITUTE AND FOUNDATION (MWRIF) (USA)
January 2012 - March 2017
Development of a urine-based point-of-care test for adherence to antiretroviral drugs
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (USA)
December 2015 - November 2021
St Stephens Aids Trust - SSAT trials
ST STEPHEN'S AIDS TRUST (UK)
April 2010 - March 2020
Paediatric European Network Treatment AIDS Laboratory Network: PENTA LAB NET
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
May 2008 - July 2012
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for HIV Protease Inhibitors.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
February 2000 - January 2003
Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme - Christopher Moxon
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
August 2008 - July 2009
Protease inhibitors and drug disposition (PROCOM/FORTE Trial)
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
October 1997 - December 2003
Effectiveness of Antiretroviral Therapy in Nigeria
NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES COMMISSION (NIGERIA)
November 2014 - October 2017
Evaluating renal safety and novel biomarkers in Nigerian HIV infected patients exposed to Tenofovir
RIVERS STATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (NIGERIA)
January 2013 - September 2016
Antiretroviral pharmacogenetics
ZARQA UNIVERSITY (JORDAN)
November 2014 - October 2017
Pharmacogenetics of antimicrobial drug-induced liver injury.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
October 2004 - April 2008
Non-Attrition HAART nanoparticle therapies for HIV/AIDS Drug Delivery
ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
May 2009 - October 2012
The Pharmacology of Nevirapine in Malawian Patients: Implications for Dosing and Understanding of Hypersensitivity Reactions.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
September 2006 - October 2009
Pharmacogenetic and pharmacokinetic studies.
MONUMENT TRUST (UK)
August 2005 - April 2011
TAILoR (TelmisArtan and InsuLin Resistance in HIV): A dose-ranging Phase II randomised open trial of telmistartan as a strategy for the reduction of insulin resistance in HIV-positive individuals on Combination Antiretroviral Therapy (CART)
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
January 2012 - February 2020
Evaluation of the steady state pharmakinectics of second line antiretroviral drugs when administered under different meal conditions in HIV-infected Ugandan adults
INFECTIOUS DISEASES INSTITUTE (UGANDA)
September 2010 - December 2011
Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme - Peter MacPherson
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
August 2009 - July 2010
Population pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling to optimise treatments for HIV,TB and malaria
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
November 2008 - October 2012
The Use of 'virtual' Inhibitory Quotients to Optimise HIV Treatment.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
January 2003 - December 2009
Model-based preclinical development of anti-tuberculosis drug combinations (preDICT-TB)
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
May 2012 - October 2017
Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme - Laura Benjamin
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
August 2009 - July 2010
The pharmacology of HIV treatment failure.
BRITISH SOCIETY FOR ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY (UK)
October 2001 - December 2008
Wellcome Trust Clinical PHD Programme - Derek Sloan
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
August 2008 - July 2009
Intracellular pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-tuberculous chemotherapy in relation to human drug transporters.
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
March 2003 - March 2007
Bioanalytical facility for drugs and small molecules
ROYAL LIVERPOOL AND BROADGREEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (UK)
July 2010 - June 2011
Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme - Derek Sloan: Understanding mycobacterial persistence in sputum during treatment for tuberculosis
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
August 2009 - July 2012
Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Programme - Emma Wall
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
October 2009 - September 2010
Wellcome Trust Clinical PHD Programme - Jamie Rylance
WELLCOME TRUST (UK)
August 2008 - July 2009
The Liverpool HIV TDM registry - Studying influences upon plasma HIV drug exposure.
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE (UK)
September 2007 - August 2012
Pharmacogenetic predictors of antiretroviral drugs pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety during pregnancy and lactation
OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY (OAU) (NIGERIA)
September 2013 - September 2016
Influx and efflux transporters: a possible pharmacological determinant of HIV treatment failure.
AVERT (UK)
September 2000 - August 2003
PRe-exposure Option for reducing HIV in the UK: an open-label randomisation to immediate or Deferred daily Truvada for HIV negative gay men (PROUD)
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON (UK)
October 2013 - January 2016
Towards NanoMedicine Interventions for HIV/AIDS
ENGINEERING & PHYSICAL SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL
May 2012 - November 2016
Computer-aided decision support for electronic prescribing, dispensing and health records of HIV positive patients
LIVERPOOL BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH CENTRE (UK)
September 2011 - February 2013
Modulation of TB-HIV drug interaction by host genetic influences
MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL
July 2010 - June 2013
Modelling adherence, pharmacokinetics and treatment outcomes in HIV therapy.
ROYAL LIVERPOOL AND BROADGREEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (UK)
September 2003 - September 2008
Detection of minority strains of HIV harbouring drug resistance.
ROYAL LIVERPOOL AND BROADGREEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (UK)
October 2002 - September 2005
Understanding cellular resistance - an important link to understanding virological resistance.
AVERT (UK)
September 2001 - August 2004
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Anti-HIV Drugs.
MONUMENT TRUST (UK)
October 1999 - September 2003
Factors influencing drug absorption from small bowel.
ROYAL LIVERPOOL AND BROADGREEN UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (UK)
October 2006 - September 2008
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of Atripla with and without food in HIV-1 infected Ugandan adults.
JOINT CLINICAL RESEARCH CENTRE (UGANDA)
September 2010 - December 2012
HIV-RT Inhibitor program
PROSARIX LTD (UK)
September 2010 - November 2010
Combined CSF Biomarkers of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (HAND)
BRITISH HIV ASSOCIATION (BHIVA) (UK)
November 2011 - February 2014