Core expertise
Product development in Australia’s pharmaceuticals industry
University, government and industry collaboration
Pharmaceutical exports
Medicines for maternal health
Biography
Michelle is a pharmaceutical scientist with an international reputation in the fields of pulmonary delivery and global health. Her research is aimed at improving drug delivery systems with an emphasis on translational research projects aiming to improve patient healthcare outcomes.
Postpartum bleeding is the leading cause of maternal mortality, contributing to the more than 300,000 maternal deaths that occur every year. The standard treatment is to inject oxytocin, but this is not always possible because the drug must be kept refrigerated and the injection must be administered by a medical professional.
Michelle has developed a way to bring oxytocin to these mothers: an inexpensive, temperature-stable powder version of the drug and a novel aerosol delivery system.
The oxytocin inhaler has the potential to save the lives of thousands of women every year. Michelle’s project team is also working to simplify the logistics of supply and storage so that the treatment can be made easily available around the world.
