Dr. Laurine Kaul

Group Leader
Mailing address:	Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy Sonnenstrasse 5 D-79104 Freiburg i. Br.
Phone:	+49-761-203-54051
Email address:	Laurine Kaul
LinkedIn Profile:	Laurine Kaul

Research interest

We are a young, interdisciplinary team affiliated to the Department of Pharmaceutics at the University of Freiburg and closely connected to the groups of Prof Heerklotz Prof Süss and Prof Allmendinger.

We conduct research on drug delivery systems and provide innovative solutions to therapeutic challenges by bridging the gap between molecules and medicines. Specifically, we focus on small molecule drugs targeting the degradation of "undruggable" proteins, such as Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues that have emerged as potential therapeutics for cancer, immune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. While this novel approach has the potential to expand the druggable space, the hydrophobicity, biodistribution and cell permeation properties of small molecule drugs limit their efficacy as therapeutic agents.

Our Mission

We develop and validate novel drug delivery systems for small molecule drugs to progress into in vivo application. By incorporating small molecule drugs into nanocarriers and testing in adequate preclinical in vitro models, the efficacy and safety of the drugs can be increased, thereby lowering the risk of drug failure in vivo, reducing the number of animal experiments, and bringing innovative therapeutics into clinical application.

Our Approach

Development and characterization of nanocarriers for small molecule drugs that can be used for multiple compounds with similar physicochemical properties and be applied to different target sites

We develop lipid-based nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and protein-based delivery systems that are characterized based on size, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and drug release. Furthermore, we use passive and active targeting mechanisms including environmentally responsive materials and surface modifications to achieve high drug concentrations at different target sites in the body.

Development of preclinical in vitro drug testing models to assess the suitability of the formulated nanocarriers, penetration of the drugs and changes in their bioavailability, efficacy and toxicity

We use different cell culture models ranging from 2D cell assays to advanced 3D models with selected cell lines of the targeted disease.

Open Positions

Opportunities for Bachelor, Master, and Diploma thesis are subject to availability. Applicants should always send a CV with all relevant transcripts and a brief statement of interests.

PhD student (starting time: April 2024)

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student interested in the development and validation of nanocarriers for PROTACs. Previous experience in a laboratory setting is required.

Curriculum vitae Dr. Kaul

Current Position

 
Education and Qualification

 
Career Path

List of publications

→ List of publications