Targeted drug delivery technology places second in OVALS competition

LEXINGTON, Ky. (October 5, 2012) – The University of Kentucky’s Nihar Shah, a postdoctoral scholar in the chemical and materials engineering department, received a second-place award and cash prize of $750 for his research poster at the recent annual meeting of the Ohio Valley Affiliates for Life Sciences (OVALS) held in Louisville.

Shah’s research, with co-authors Thomas Dziubla and Zach Hilt, was one of 12 posters at OVALS submitted by researchers at the University of Louisville, University of Cincinnati, Marshall University, and Ohio University.

Titled “Novel Degradable Antioxidant Polymers to Combat Oxidative Stress,” Shah’s poster presented technology that could be used for treating diseases like diabetic ulcers, oral mucositis and osteoarthritis linked to oxidative stress, for which there are not yet effective treatments.

The OVALS conference, held October 1-2, brought together the region's research institutions, federal agencies, industry, investors, and service providers to discuss innovation and commercialization opportunities in the area of biotechnology.

OVALS supports opportunity and fosters innovation by rewarding researchers through a poster competition with cash awards of up to $1,000. For more information, visit www.ovalsgroup.org.