Master Thesis: Solubility and Diffusion Testing of High Potency APIs in Thermoplastic Polymers

Are you passionate about science, technology, and innovation? At QPharma, we offer exciting thesis opportunities for students who

want to apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges within pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Whether your

interests lie in research, engineering, or process development, our thesis projects offer an opportunity to explore new ideas,

gain valuable industry experience, and contribute to the development of future pharmaceutical solutions.

QPharma, is a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for pharmaceutical products. With a strong focus

on innovation and continuous development, we are always looking for new perspectives and ideas to help shape the future of

pharmaceutical development.

Thermoplastic polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethanes, and other medical-grade materials serve as the basis

for many long-acting drug-delivery systems. These polymers are selected for their biocompatibility, ability to be processed by

extrusion or molding, and capacity to embed active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for controlled release over extended periods.

For high-potency APIs, ensuring predictable and stable release profiles is critical due to narrow therapeutic windows and safety

concerns.

A central challenge is understanding API solubility and diffusion within the polymer matrix. Solubility sets the limit of API that

can reside in the amorphous polymer regions, while diffusion dictates how rapidly the dissolved drug migrates through the

network—together defining permeability and shaping release kinetics. EVA, for instance, is produced in various grades differing in

vinyl acetate content, enabling adjustment of crystallinity, flexibility, and drug-polymer compatibility. However, predicting

solubility and diffusion is complex, since both depend on polymer chemistry, processing, morphology, and API properties.

This thesis investigates and optimizes methods for measuring solubility and diffusion of high-potency APIs in selected

thermoplastic polymers, aiming to establish reliable approaches that advance polymer-based controlled-release system development.

• Identify sources of variability when different sample‑preparation techniques (e.g., extruded vs. compression‑molded films) are

used.

• Enhanced understanding of how processing history affects permeability, improving the reliability of future development work on

rings, implants, and similar drug‑delivery devices.

Does this thesis project sound interesting to you? We would love to hear from you! If you are curious, motivated, and eager to put

your knowledge into practice, we encourage you to submit your application by December 20, 2026

Join us at SEVER Pharma Solutions and get the opportunity to explore real-world challenges within pharmaceutical development. We

offer an inspiring and collaborative environment where new ideas, knowledge, and innovation come together to shape the future of

pharmaceutical solutions.