Heidelberg Scientist Honored for Pharmaceutical Research
Philipp Uhl awarded for his work on new pharmaceutical forms and overcoming antibiotic resistance
For his outstanding work in the field of pharmaceutical research, Junior Professor Dr Philipp Uhl has received the PHOENIX Pharmaceutical Science Award in the “Pharmaceutical Technology” category. Endowed with 10,000 euros per category, this prize is awarded annually by the Phoenix group to four researchers from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, whose innovative pharmaceutical research shows strong potential for clinical application. Supported by his team at Heidelberg University’s Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Prof. Uhl’s research focuses on new pharmaceutical forms and strategies for overcoming antibiotic resistance.
Prof. Uhl is being honored for developing a new method for the oral administration of an antibiotic that is highly effective against resistant bacteria, which could previously only be given by injection. To achieve this, the researchers encapsulate the active ingredient in tiny fat particles, known as liposomes, which protect it and allow it to be taken as a tablet. In a mouse model, the researchers demonstrated that the approach was well tolerated and an efficient method of delivering the antibiotic. In its statement, the jury noted that this development could simplify treatment with such medications and help combat bacterial resistance more effectively. The results of Prof. Uhl’s research were published in the journal “Advanced Healthcare Materials”.
Philipp Uhl studied pharmacy at Heidelberg University and has been a licensed pharmacist since 2013. He received his doctorate in pharmaceutical research from Heidelberg University in 2017. He then worked as a research assistant at the Department of Nuclear Medicine at Heidelberg University Hospital, before being appointed to the Lipoid Endowed Professorship for “Pharmaceutical Technology with a Focus on Phospholipids”. He has received multiple awards for his research, most recently in 2024 from the German Pharmaceutical Society (DPhG).
With its Science Award, the PHOENIX group supports outstanding pharmaceutical research. Each year, four submissions in the categories of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biology, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology are selected by an independent expert jury. Philipp Uhl accepted the award in October at Heidelberg University.
