School of Pharmacy at Queen's University Belfast

Truly remarkable research reported this week shows patients living with lupus seeing their condition go into remission following a CAR-T-style immune reset trial, with no need for ongoing medication. 🔬

This is a powerful reminder of how rapidly cell and gene therapies are reshaping the treatment landscape for autoimmune disease. These innovations also bring fresh challenges in formulation, delivery and clinical translation, areas that connect directly to our research in Nanomedicine and Biotherapeutics here at the School. 💊

It's an exciting time to be working at the frontier of pharma, and stories like this show just how much potential lies ahead for patients living with chronic, life-altering conditions.

Read the full BBC report here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gy2d9y5z3o

..and find out more about our research at https://go.qub.ac.uk/PMYResearch

📊 Nature Reviews Drug Discovery has published its rundown of the FDA approval decisions to watch in the months ahead in 2026 - essential reading for anyone tracking the regulatory landscape!

These decisions shape which new therapies reach patients, influencing everything from treatment options to global pharmaceutical strategy. It's a fascinating insight into where the industry is heading next. 💊

Regulatory affairs is a core component of our programmes, preparing our graduates for careers across drug development and approval pathways, and patient care. Whether you're already in industry or considering a career shift, understanding how medicines move from lab to market is a valuable skill set.

Read the full article from Nature Reviews Drug Discovery here: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41573-026-00103-8

..and find out more about what we do at www.qub.ac.uk/pha

Our 2026 Seminar Series continued with an inspiring talk from industry leader Dr Sofia Wareham Mathiassen, Senior Device Engineer in Drug Delivery Innovation at Novo Nordisk.

Entitled "Device-Enabled Oral Delivery of Peptide Therapeutics: Insights from Novo Nordisk", Sofia's presentation focused on the oral delivery of peptide therapeutics, which remains one of the biggest challenges in pharmaceutical science, due to gastrointestinal degradation and poor absorption.

Many thanks to everyone who attended, and we're excited for the next seminar!

A recent BBC report highlights something important: UK supermarket data suggests many women are buying pain relief that may not be the most effective option for period cramps.

It's a great reminder of the everyday value community pharmacists bring. A simple conversation at the counter can guide people towards the analgesic best suited to their symptoms, because not every painkiller works the same way for every type of pain.

Period cramps, for instance, often respond better to anti-inflammatory medicines than standard alternatives. Your local pharmacist can explain the options, check for any interactions with other medicines, and help you make an informed choice!

Medicines optimisation starts with these everyday conversations, and they make a real difference to people's wellbeing.

Read the BBC article here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c932pex1vpwo and find out more about our pharmacy programmes at http://go.qub.ac.uk/PMYProgrammes

🌿 A wonderful afternoon was had by all at today's Staff Walk & Talk Lunch!

Colleagues from across the School came together for a refreshing walk around Botanic Gardens, making the most of the dry weather, before gathering for a lovely lunch in the beautiful surroundings of The Graduate School. ☕

The event was organised by the Culture Working Group of our Athena SWAN and EDI Committee, and kindly funded by Staff Wellbeing at Queen's University Belfast. It was a fantastic opportunity for staff to connect, unwind, and enjoy time together outside of the usual work setting.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, we're already looking forward to the next one! 💚

🎉 Congratulations to three of our outstanding MPharm students!

Donal Greene (Level 4), Niamh Burke (Level 3) and Eoin McKernan (Level 3) have each been awarded competitive bursaries to attend the UKICRS 2026 Symposium, taking place this week at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.

The symposium brings together researchers, clinicians and students from across the UK to share advances in clinical and pharmaceutical research, offering our students a fantastic opportunity to engage with experts and gain valuable insight into how research informs clinical practice.

Dr Paul McCague, our Director of Education for Pharmacy programmes, said: "Securing these bursaries reflects both their hard work and their engagement with research. At Queen's, our teaching is research-led, and we are committed to ensuring students have meaningful opportunities to engage with research throughout our MPharm programme." 👏

Read the full story: http://go.qub.ac.uk/UKICRS

🎓 We have more brilliant news to share! In addition to being ranked #2 overall in the UK, making us the top MPharm provider in the country, we've been ranked #1 in the UK for Graduate Prospects for Pharmacy and Pharmacology in the Complete University Guide 2027!

This fantastic achievement highlights the strong career outcomes our graduates enjoy. Through our close links with the pharmaceutical industry, the health sector more widely, and community pharmacy networks across Northern Ireland and beyond, we ensure our students are exceptionally well prepared for successful careers in their chosen fields. 💊

Building on this success, our recent recognition at the WhatUni Awards, including accolades for our Students' Union, means students benefit from outstanding wraparound support to boost their employability and career readiness.

When you choose to study with us, you're investing in a future filled with opportunity. ✨

Read more at https://go.qub.ac.uk/CUG2027

🏆 Congratulations to Oscar Pooley, who has been awarded 2nd place in the Queen's University Belfast Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Grand Final!

Representing the School of Pharmacy, Oscar delivered an outstanding presentation titled "Pancreatic Cancer Radiotherapy: A Golden Opportunity", competing against strong entries from 12 other Schools across the University. Despite the competition being moved online at very short notice, Oscar demonstrated remarkable resilience, professionalism and adaptability throughout.

Reflecting on the experience, Oscar said: "Both the school competition and the wider University finals were a fantastic experience. Although challenging, this format helped me better understand the key themes of my own research project, and how to communicate effectively. I was honoured and thrilled by the outcome."

A huge well done to Oscar and his supervisor Professor Jonathan Coulter for this brilliant achievement! 👏

Read more here: http://go.qub.ac.uk/OP3MT2026

Sobering new figures from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine suggest more than 1,300 deaths a month in England are linked to long A&E waits, which is a tenfold increase over the past decade.

These findings underline why our Healthcare Delivery and Medicines Optimisation research theme is so vital. By exploring medicines optimisation, expanding community pharmacy services, and strengthening integrated primary care, we're working to ease pressure across the NHS and keep patients well in their communities. 💊

Pharmacists play a crucial role in reducing avoidable admissions, supporting long-term conditions, and ensuring people get the right care at the right time.

🔗 Find out more about how our research is shaping safer, more sustainable healthcare: http://go.qub.ac.uk/pmyresearch

💊 Anticoagulants remain one of the highest-risk medicine groups in both community and hospital pharmacy, where even minor interactions can lead to significant patient harm, and thus leading to increased monitoring needs and clinical decisions that pharmacists navigate every day.

Safe and effective anticoagulant use is core territory for our MPharm students and a central theme for pharmacists developing their expertise through our Advanced Pharmacy Practice programme. Recognising risk, understanding interactions, and supporting patients in shared decision-making are all essential skills for today's pharmacy workforce.

📖 Read more here: https://irishpharmacist.ie/clinical/in-focus/spotlight-on-anticoagulants/

..and learn more about our clinical pharmacy programmes at http://go.qub.ac.uk/PMYProgrammes