Publications by authors named "Mazin Hakim"

Subcutaneous (SC) injection of protein-based therapeutics is a convenient and clinically established drug delivery method. However, progress is needed to increase the bioavailability. Transport of low molecular weight () biotherapeutics such as insulin and small molecule contrast agents such as lipiodol has been studied using X-ray computed tomography (CT).

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Subcutaneous tissue mechanics are important for drug delivery. Yet, even though this material is poroelastic, its mechanical characterization has focused on its hyperelastic response. Moreover, advancement in subcutaneous drug delivery requires effective tissue mimics such as hydrogels for which similar gaps of poroelastic data exist.

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Therapeutic macromolecules possess properties such as size and electrostatic charge that will dictate their transport through subcutaneous (SC) tissue and ultimate bioavailability and efficacy. To improve therapeutic design, platforms that systematically measure the transport of macromolecules as a function of both drug and tissue properties are needed. We utilize a Transwell chamber with tunable collagen-hyaluronic acid (ColHA) hydrogels as an in vitro model to determine mass transport of macromolecules using non-invasive UV spectroscopy.

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Hydrogels have been widely investigated in biomedical fields due to their similar physical and biochemical properties to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA) are the main components of the ECM in many tissues. As a result, hydrogels prepared from collagen and HA hold inherent advantages in mimicking the structure and function of the native ECM.

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Background: The frequency of obesity has risen dramatically in recent years but only few safe and effective drugs are currently available. We assessed the effect of liraglutide on bodyweight and tolerability in obese individuals without type 2 diabetes.

Methods: We did a double-blind, placebo-controlled 20-week trial, with open-label orlistat comparator in 19 sites in Europe.

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