Dr Robin Curtis, The University of Manchester / Immunocore

Dr Robin Curtis, a senior lecturer in chemical engineering at the University of Manchester, is a biochemical engineer with expertise in predicting and controlling the behaviour and self-assembly of biologics, especially proteins. His research has focused on applications in developing biopharmaceuticals, in particular managing critical attributes such as irreversible aggregation, reversible self-association, particle formation, properties of concentrated solutions, rheology, and phase separation.  

Dr Curtis is working with a biotechnology company producing bispecific proteins used as novel treatments for specific diseases. Some of the therapeutics require the use of significantly higher doses exceeding 10 mg/ml. Dr Curtis will be working with the formulation development group to surmount challenges arising from the high concentration formulations.  

The project will leverage recent developments from Dr Curtis' group to predict concentrated protein solution properties from dilute solution screening technologies. A key issue to address is identifying optimal manufacturing and formulation conditions to mitigate viscosity using novel excipient mixtures. Through the collaboration, Dr Curtis will share his knowledge with scientists about the molecular interactions underpinning these critical formulation attributes. In parallel, showcasing the screening technology’s capabilities will help the biopharmaceuticals sector and open up new avenues of research for Dr Curtis.