Feng Zhang, Ph.D.

Feng Zhang Profile Pic

Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics

Having received from China Pharmaceutical University a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science (1994), Feng Zhang graduated from Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery department at University of Texas at Austin with a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science (1999). He worked at PharmaForm (2000-2010) and Gilead Sciences (2011-2013), prior to joining the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas at Austin (Jan 2014). Feng Zhang was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in September 2020.

His team’s research interests include (1) simulation and modeling of melt extrusion for preparing amorphous solid dispersions to enhance bioavailability of BCS Class 2 and 4 drugs, (2) investigation of process-induced transformation of API during twin-screw continuous granulation, and (3) formulation, processing, and characterization of melt-extruded long-acting implants.

1. Dr. Calvin Sun at the University of Minnesota 
Continuous granulation processing

2. Foster Delivery Sciences

3. Ashland Chemical

4. American Leistritz Extruder Corporation

2020 to present        Associate Professor, the University of Texas at Austin
2014 to 2019            Assistant Professor, the University of Texas at Austin
2011 to 2013            Research Scientist, Gilead Sciences, Foster City, CA
2000 to 2010            Research Scientist, PharmaForm, Austin, TX
1994 to 1999            Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science, the University of Texas at Austin
1990 to 1994            B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science, China Pharmaceutical University

Academic Year 2019 (9/2018-9/2020)

  1. N. Kittikunakorn, T.Z. Liu, F. Zhang, “Twin-screw melt granulation: current progress and challenges”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 588: 119670 (2020)
  2. T.Z. Liu, S. Paul, B.T. Beeson, J. Alexander, F.Y. Yang, V. Bi, T. Durig, C. Sun, F. Zhang, “Effect of hydroxypropyl cellulose level on twin-screw melt granulation of acetaminophen”, AAPS PharmSciTech, 21:240 (2020)
  3. M.Y. Li, F. Meng, Y. Tsutsumi, J.P. Amoureux, W. Xu, X.Y. Lu, F. Zhang, Y.C Su, “Understanding molecular interactions in rafoxanide-povidone amorphous solid dispersions from ultrafast magic angle spinning NMR”, Molecular Pharmaceutics, 17: 2196-2207 (2020)
  4. M.B. Lowinger, E.Y. Maier, R.O. Williams III, F. Zhang, “Hydrophilic polyurethanes are an effective tool for gastric retention independent of drug release rate”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 109:1967-1977 (2020)
  5. X. Liu, X.Y Lu, Y.C. Su, E. Kun, F. Zhang, “Clay-polymer nanocomposites prepared by reactive melt extrusion for sustained drug release”, Pharmaceutics, 12:51 (2020)
  6. S.K. Rahimi, S. Paul, C. Sun, F. Zhang, “The role of the screw profile on granular structure and mixing efficiency of a high-dose hydrophobic drug formulation during twin screw wet granulation”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 575:118958 (2020)

Academic Year 2018 (9/2018-8/2019)

  1. R. Lagle, P. Tipsay, V.K. Shanker, A. Maurya, M. Pimparade, S. Bandari, F. Zhang, S. N. Murthy, “Preparation and evaluation of cefuroxime axitel gastro-retentive floating drug delivery system for improved delivery via hot melt extrusion technology”, International Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, Submitted for review (March 2019)
  2. N. Kittikunakorn, C. Sun, and F. Zhang*, “Process-Induced Transformation and Chemical Degradation of Gabapentin during Continuous Twin-Screw Melt Granulation”, European Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 131:243-253 (2019). 
  3. N. Kittikunakorn, J.J. Koleng III, T. Listro, C. Sun, and F. Zhang*, “Effects of Thermal Binders on Chemical Stability and Tabletability of Gabapentin Granules Prepared by Twin Screw Melt Granulation”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 559:37-47 (2019). 
  4. M. Lowinger, Y.C. Su, X.Y. Lu, R. Williams, and F. Zhang*, “Can Drug Release Rate from Implants be Tailored Using Polyurethane Mixture?”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 557:390-411 (2019).
  5. F. Meng, R. Ferreira, F. Zhang*, “Effect of Surfactant Level on Properties of Celecoxib Amorphous Solid Dispersions”, Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 49:301-307 (2019).
  6. F. Meng, Z.F. Jing, R. Ferreira, P.Y. Ren, and F. Zhang*, “Investigating the Association Mechanism between Rafoxanide and Povidone”, Langmuir, (34) 13971-13978 (2018).
  7. A. Haser, B. Haight, A. Berghaus, A. Machado, C. Martin, and F. Zhang*, “Scale-up and In-line Monitoring during Continuous Melt Extrusion of an Amorphous Solid Dispersion”, AAPS PharmSciTech, 19:7 2818-2827 (2018) .
  8. X. Liu, X.Y. Ma, E. Kun, X.D. Guo, Z.X. Yu, and F. Zhang*, “Influence of Lidocaine Forms (Salt vs. Freebase) on Properties of Drug–Eudragit L100-55 Extrudates Prepared by Reactive Melt Extrusion”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, (547) 291-302 (2018).
  9. M. Bookwala, P. Thipsay, S. Ross, F. Zhang, S. Bandari, and M. Repka, “Preparation of a Crystalline Salt of Indomethacin and Tromethamine by Hot Melt Extrusion Technology”, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 131:109-119 (2018)

Academic Year 2017 (9/2017-8/2018)

  1. N.R. Dumpa, S. Sarabu, S. Bandari, F. Zhang, and M. Repka, “Chronotherapeutic Drug Delivery of Ketoprofen and Ibuprofen for Improved Treatment of Early Morning Stiffness in Arthritis Using Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology”, AAPS PharmSciTech, Epub ahead of print (2018)
  2. M.B. Lowinger, S.E. Barrett, F. Zhang* and R.O. Williams, “Sustained Release Drug Delivery Applications of Polyurethanes”, Pharmaceutics, 9:10 (2) (2018)
  3. X. Liu, M. Li, H. Smyth, and F. Zhang*, “Otic Drug Delivery Systems: Formulation Principles and Recent Development”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 25:1-4 (2018)
  4. N. Kittikunakorn, J. DiNunzio, C. Martin, and F. Zhang*, “Process, Challenges and the Futures of Twin-Screw Granulation for Manufacturing Oral Tablets and Capsules”, Cover Story – Formulation Design and Development Section, AAPS Newsmagazine, 12-18, March 2018
  5. A. Haser and F. Zhang*, “New Strategies for Improving the Development and Performance of Amorphous Solid Dispersions”, AAPS PharmSciTech 19(3):9178-990 (2018)
  6. A. Haser, T. Cao, J. Lubach, and F. Zhang*, “In situ Salt Formation for Improved Chemical Stability and Dissolution Performance of a Meloxicam-Copovidone Amorphous Solid Dispersion”, Molecular Pharmaceutics, 15:1226-37 (2018)
  7. N. Mendonsa, S. Bandari, S. Murthy, F. Zhang and M. Repka, “Development of Poloxamer Gel Formulation via Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 537:122-131 (2017)
  8. X. Feng and F. Zhang*, “Twin-screw Extrusion of Sustained-release Dosage Forms and Medical Implants”, Drug Delivery and Translational Science, 8(6):1694-1716 (2018)
  9. X. Liu, F. Xing, R.O. Williams, and F. Zhang* “Characterization of Amorphous Solid Dispersions”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, 48:19-41 (2018)
  10. B. Lang, X. Feng, and F. Zhang*, “Extended-release Dosage Forms Prepared Using Twin-screw Extrusion”, Chapter 10, Pharmaceutical Extrusion Technology, 2nd Edition, Edited by I. Ghebre-Sellassie, C. Martin, F. Zhang and J. DiNunzio, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group (2018)

Academic Year 2016 (9/2016-8/2017)

  1. F. Meng, J. Meckel and F. Zhang*, “Investigation of Itraconazole Ternary Amorphous Solid Dispersions Based on Povidone and Carbopol”, European Journal of Pharmaceutical Science, 106: 413-421 (2017)
  2. F. Meng. T.Z. Liu, E. Schneider, S. Alzobaidi, M. Gil and F. Zhang*, “Self-association of Rafoxanide in Aqueous Media and a Novel Method for Preparing Amorphous Solid Dispersions”, Molecular Pharmaceutics, 14: 1790-1799 (2017)
  3. A. Haser, T. Cao, J. Lubach, T. Listro, L. Acquarelo, F. Zhang*, “Melt Extrusion vs. Spray Drying: The Effect of Processing Methods on Crystalline Content of Naproxen-Povidone formulations”. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Science. 102: 115-125 (2017)
  4. A. Haser, S.Y. Huang, T. Listro, D. White and F. Zhang*, “An Approach for Chemical Stability during Melt Extrusion of a Drug Substance with a High Melting Point”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 524: 55-64 (2017)
  5. X. Liu, L. Zhou and F. Zhang*, “In-situ Salt Formation during Reactive Melt Extrusion Improve the Dissolution Performance and Physical Stability of Naproxen Amorphous Solid Dispersions”, Molecular Pharmaceutics 14: 658-675 (2017)
  6. M.J. McGinity, J. Floyd, J. W. McGinity and F. Zhang, “Implant Composition for the Unidirectional Delivery of Drugs to Brain”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 43 (9):1421-1429 (2017) 
  7. B. Chen, L. Zhu, F. Zhang and Y. Qiu, “Process Development and Scale-up: Twin Screw Extrusion”, Chapter 31, Developing Solid Oral Dosage Forms: Pharmaceutical Theory & Practice, 2nd Edition, Ed. Y. Qiu, Y. Chen, G. Zhang, L. Yu and R. Mantri, pp 821-868, 48 total pages, Elsevier (2016)
  8. A. Haser, J. C. DiNunzio, C. Martin, J.W. McGinity, and F. Zhang*, “Melt Extrusion”, Chapter 9, Formulating Poorly Water Soluble Drugs, 2nd Edition, AAPS Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Series 3, Ed. R. O. Williams, A. B. Watts and D. A. Miller, pp. 383-435, 52 total pages, AAPS Press, Springer, (2016)

Academic Year 2015 (9/2015-8/2016)

  1. F. Zhang*, F. Meng, Z.Y. Wang and W. NA, “Interpolymer Complexation between Copovidone and Carbopol and Its Effect on Drug Release from Matrix Tablets”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 43(2): 190-203 (2016)
  2. J. Maincent and F. Zhang*, “Recent Advances in Abuse-Deterrent Technologies for the Delivery of Opioids”, International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 510(1): 57-72 (2016)
  3. F. Zhang*, J. Lubach, W. NA, S. Momin, “Interpolymer complexation between PolyOx and Carbopol, and Its Effect on Drug Release from Matrix Tablets”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 105(8): 2386-96 (2016)
  4. F. Zhang*, F. Meng, J. Lubach, J. Koleng, W. NA, “Properties and mechanisms of drug release from matrix tablets containing poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(acrylic acid) as release retardants”, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 105: 97-105 (2016)
  5. F. Zhang* and M. Repka “Pharmaceutical Thermal Processing”, AAPS PharmSciTech, 17(1): 1-2 (2016), Invited publication
  6. H. Surasarang, J. Keen, S.Y. Huang, F. Zhang, J.W. McGinity and R.O. Williams, “Hot Melt Extrusion versus Spray Drying: Hot Melt Extrusion Degrades Albenazole”. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 43(5): 797-811 (2016)
  7. A. Vo, X. Feng, J. Morott, M. Pimparade, R. Tiwari, F. Zhang and M. Repka “A novel floating controlled release drug delivery system prepared by hot-melt extrusion”, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 98: 108-121, (2016)
  8. A. Alshetaili, B.K. Almutairy, R.V. Tiwari, J.T. Morott, S.M. Alshehri, X. Feng, B.B. Alsulays, J.B. Park, F. Zhang and M. Repka, “Preparation and evaluation of hot-melt extruded patient-centric ketoprofen mini-tablets”, Current Drug Delivery, 13(5): 730-741, (2016)

Academic Year 2014 (9/2014-8/2015)

  1. F. Zhang* “Physicochemical properties and mechanisms of drug release from melt-extruded granules consisting of chlorpheniramine maleate and Eudragit® FS, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 42(4), 563-571 (2016)
  2. F. Zhang* “Melt-extruded Eudragit® FS-based granules for colonic drug delivery”, AAPS PharmSciTech, 17(1), 56-67 (2016), Invited publication

Prior to joining UT Austin

  1. D. Gena, E Nauka, F. Zhang, S. Kothari, M. Xie, “Assessment of Granulation Technologies for an API with Poor Physical Properties”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, June 2 (2012)
  2. J.C. DiNunzio, C. Martin, F. Zhang, “Melt Extrusion: Shaping Drug Delivery in the 21st Century”, Pharmaceutical Technology, November Supplement, S30-37 (2010)
  3. M.A. Repka, S. Thumma, S.B. Upadye, S. Kumar, M.M. Crowley, F. Zhang, C. Martin, J.W. McGinity, “Pharmaceutical Applications of Hot-Melt Extrusion: Part II”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 33 (10): 1043-1057 (2007)
  4. M.M. Crowley, F. Zhang, M.A. Repka, S. Thumma, S.B. Upadye, S. Kumar, J.M. McGinity, and C. Martin, “Pharmaceutical Applications of Hot-Melt Extrusion: Part I”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 33 (9): 909-926 (2007)
  5. V. Mahagunna, J.M McDermott, F. Zhang and F. Ochoa, “Investigation of Product Quality between Extemporaneously Compounded Progesterone Vaginal Suppositories and an Approved Progesterone Vaginal Gel”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 30 (10): 1069-1078 (2004)
  6. M.M. Crowley, F. Zhang, J.J. Koleng and J.W. McGinity, “Stability of Polyethylene Oxide in Matrix Tablets Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion”, Biomaterials, 23 (21): 4241-4248 (2002)
  7. J.P. Liu, F. Zhang, and J.W. McGinity, “Properties of Lipophilic Matrix Tablets Containing Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion”, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 52 (2): 181-190 (2001)
  8. J.W. McGinity, F. Zhang, M.A. Repka and J.J. Koleng, “Hot-Melt Extrusion as a Pharmaceutical Process”, American Pharmaceutical Review, Summer Issue (2001)
  9. F. Zhang and J.W. McGinity, “Properties of Hot-Melt Extruded Theophylline Tablets Containing Poly(vinyl acetate)”, Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 26 (9): 931-942 (2000)
  10. J.W. McGinity, F. Zhang, M.A. Repka, and J.J. Koleng, “Thermal Processing of Pharmaceutical Powders”, Pharmaceutical Technology Japan, 16 (6): 69-85 (2000)
  11. F. Zhang and J.W. McGinity, “Properties of Sustained Release Tablets Prepared by Hot-Melt Extrusion”, Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, 4 (2): 241‑249 (1999)
  12. A.N. Carolyn, F. Zhang, and J.W. McGinity, “Hot Melt Extrusion of Acrylic Films”, Pharmaceutical Research, 13 (5): 804-808 (1996)
  13. M.A. Repka, J.J. Koleng, F. Zhang, J.W. McGinity “Hot Melt Extrusion Technology”, Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, 4thEdition, Ed. J. Swarbrick, pp. 1855-1876, 22 total pages, CRC Press (2013)
  14. F. Zhang and J.C. DiNunzio, “Solubilized Formulation”, Chapter 5, Formulating Poorly Water Soluble Drugs, 1st Edition, AAPS Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences Series, Series 3, , 1st Ed. R. O. Williams, A. B. Watts and D. A. Miller, pp. 171-208, 38 total pages, AAPS Press, Springer (2012)
  15. F. Zhang and J.C. DiNunzio, F. Zhang, C. Martin, J.W. McGinity. “Melt Extrusion”, Chapter 9, Formulating Poorly Water Soluble Drugs, 1st Edition, AAPS Advances in Pharmaceutical Sciences Series, Series 3, Ed. R. O. Williams, A. B. Watts and D. A. Miller, pp. 311-362, 52 total pages, AAPS Press, Springer (2012)
  16. J.W. McGinity and F. Zhang “Melt-Extruded Controlled Release Oral Dosage Forms”, , Chapter 10, Pharmaceutical Extrusion Technology, Volume 133 from Drugs and the Pharmaceutical Sciences series, 1st Edition, Ed. I. Ghebre-Sellassie and C. Martin pp. 183-208, 26 total pages, Marcel Dekker (2003)
  17. J.W. McGinity, J.J. Koleng, M.A. Repka, and F. Zhang “Hot-Melt Extrusion Technology”, Volume 19 of the Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology, 2nd Edition, Ed. J. Swarbrick and J.C. Boylan, pp. 203-226, 24 total pages, Marcel Dekker, (2000)

Continuous Granulation to Improve Properties of Powder Blends
There is increasing interest in the pharmaceutical industry to implement continuous manufacturing processes for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Continuous manufacturing offers several advantages such as flexible operation, lower operational cost, and improved product quality. Continuous manufacturing also enables the processing of pharmaceutical formulation at “extreme conditions” (i.e. higher temperature and higher pressure) that are not feasible in the conventional batch processes.

Roller compaction (RC) has been implemented in continuous manufacturing to the improve flow properties of blends for most of tablet manufacturing. However, twin-screw based melt granulation (TSMG) and wet granulation (TSWG) are expected, in many ways, to be a better alternative to RC because of the unique mechanisms for granule formation during twin-screw granulation, and the modular design of twin-screw extruders. Thus, one goal of this project is to assess the advantages and limitations of the continuous TSMG and TSWG processes in comparison to RC, which is the leading continuous tablet manufacturing process.

Our research efforts are concentrated on:

  • Developing a mechanistic understanding of the thermal and mechanical stresses imposed on formulation during TSMG and TSWG.
  • Developing formulation and processing strategies to enable TSMG and TSWG, including thermal binder selection and thermal stress reduction.
  • Investigating the effect of the formulation composition and processing parameters on the critical quality attributes of granules and final tablets prepared with TSMG and TSWG.
  • Simulating and modeling of TSMG and TSWG processes.

Formulation and Processing Strategies for Bioavailability Enhancement
Especially drugs for virology and oncology treatment, about 70% of drug candidates in the development pipeline face the challenges of the solubility-limited absorption. The number is expected to rise even further. Formulation scientists are increasingly relying on solubilization technologies, including amorphous drug substance, nanocrystals, lipids, and amorphous solid dispersions (ADS), to achieve enhanced and more consistent bioavailability of these drugs.

Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) are polymeric matrices containing molecularly dispersed drugs. ASD technology is becoming the preferred drug delivery methodology to enhance the bioavailability of drugs with solubility-limited absorption. Improved bioavailability is attributed to the high transient solubility of the amorphous drug in gastrointestinal tract as the results of the formation of amorphous nanoparticles in situ. Despite of all the success, more research on ASD technology is needed. The effect of formulation composition and manufacturing process on the performance of ASDs needs to be understood better, and novel analytical methods need to be developed to assess in vivo performance of ASDs. Without this knowledge, the formulation composition and manufacturing process could not be rationally designed, the quality of products cannot be ensured, and patients’ health and safety are ultimately at risk.

My group’s research interest in ASDs includes:

  • Studying molecular-level drug-excipient and excipient-excipient interactions, and to investigate the impact of these interactions on the properties of ASDs.
  • Developing advanced analytical methods to characterize behaviors of ASDs in solution state.
  • Understanding the effect of manufacturing processes on the physical stability in solid-state, and supersaturation/speciation in solution-state.

Implants and medical devices for long-acting drug delivery
Patient adherence to drug therapies remains a major obstacle to realizing the full therapeutic benefit of drug treatments in the real world. Depending on the polymers used to modulate drug release, implants can be categorized as biodegradable or removable implants.

Implants may be designed as a matrix composed of drug and polymer, wherein the release behavior is driven by a pore network created by the distribution of drug in the polymer. In such a system, the drug release rate is strongly dependent on drug loading, degradation rate of polymeric matrix, and the implant geometry. Alternatively, implants can be designed as reservoir systems, wherein a core of drug and polymer is surrounded by a rate-controlling polymer membrane. Since the drug release kinetics from reservoir implants are limited by diffusion through the rate-controlling membrane, they are capable of decoupling the treatment duration of a single implant from its release rate.

My lab is conducting research to study.

  • Thermoplastic poly(urethane) and ethylene vinyl-acetate based removable implants prepared using melt extrusion process
  • Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) based biodegradable implants prepared using melt extrusion process

Current Team Members

Angela Ren, B.S (Graduate Student)
Biochemistry and Chemistry, University of California at San Diego
Research scientist at BioDuro
Research Focus: Biodegradable implants
Joined in September 2020

Mark Costello, B.S (Graduate Student)
Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan
Research Scientist at Vertex
Research Focus: Biodegradable implants
Joined in September 2020

Jamie Spahn, B.S (Graduate Student)
Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara
Research scientist at Gilead Sciences
Research Focus: novel applications of twin-screw processing
Joined in September 2019

Tongzhou (Tony) Liu M.S (Ph.D. candidate)
M.S. Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, China
B.S. Pharmaceutical Science, Peking University, China
Research focus: Effect of formulation and process on the speciation of amorphous solid dispersions in aqueous media
Joined in September 2016

 

 

Former Team Members

Abbe Haser, Ph.D.
Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 2017
Joined Merck & Co. in January 2018

Fan Meng Ph.D.
Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 2019
Joined Hovione NJ in October 2018

Xu Liu Ph.D.
Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 2019
Joined Celgene NJ in September 2019

Michael Lowinger Ph.D.
Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 2019
At Merck & Co.

Shahab Kashani Rahimi, Ph.D. (Post Doc)
Ph.D. Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Southern Mississippi 2017
Joined BioDuro CA in June 2020

Nada Kittikunakorn Ph.D.
Ph.D. Pharmaceutical Science, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 2020
Joined Government Pharmaceutical Organization, Thailand in Sep 2020

Contact Information
Phone:
512-471-0942
Campus location:
PHR 4.214E

US Mail Address:
The University of Texas at Austin
PHR 4.214E
1 University Station, C0850
Austin, TX 78712-0128

FEDEX Address:
107 W. Dean Keeton St.
PHR 4.214E
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712