Translational Nanomedicine Research Laboratory
The research in The Sharma Lab is focused on the creation of precise nanotherapies and nanoprobes tailored for the treatment and diagnosis of unmet medical needs. Our goal is to fabricate novel clinically relevant nanomaterials equipped with targeting capabilities toward specific cells and sub-cellular locations. We intend is to create these nanomaterials in high purity and consistent batch-to-batch reproducibility using expedited synthetic methods, inexpensive chemicals, building blocks recognized as safe by established standards, and minimizing the need for extensive post-synthetic modifications. Our research endeavors also involve the comprehensive exploration of the interactions of these nanomaterials with various biological barriers and include investigations into their biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, clearance mechanisms, and safety and efficacy profiles, providing mechanistic insights into their behavior utilizing in vitro and in vivo models.
Open positions
Highly motivated graduate students and postdocs interested in nano-drug delivery should send their CV to Dr. Anjali Sharma at anjali.sharma@wsu.edu
Research Funding
Awards/Grants
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Eye Institute (NEI-R01) Nanotherapies for Targeted Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization. Aug 1, 2025 – June 30, 2030. (Role PD/PI) $2.6M
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS-R01). Targeted Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Brain Disorders. Aug 1, 2025 – May 31, 2030. (Role: PD/PI) $2.6M
Andy Hill Care Fund (Washington Cancer Research Foundation). In Vivo Imaging Capabilities to Enable Investigations Focused on Cancer Mechanisms and Therapeutic Outcomes. July 1, 2023-June 30, 2026. $1.3M (Role: PI)
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – National Cancer Institute (NCI-R21). Targeted Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Prostate Cancer. July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026. $406,520 (Role: PI)
Murdock Commercialization Initiation Grant. Dec. 1, 2024-Nov 30, 2026. $150,000 (Role: PI)
Washington Research Foundation (WRF). Dendrimer Nanotherapy for Targeted Treatment of Prostate Cancer. July 1,2024-Dec 31, 2025. $100,000 (Role: PI)
Washington State University-Commercialization Gap Fund. $50,000
Washington State University-New Faculty Seed Grant. PSMA-Targeted Dendrimer Nanomedicines for Prostate Cancer. May 16, 2023-Aug 15, 2024. (Role: PI)
