Michael Gomes, a PhD candidate at the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), has been awarded the prestigious 2026 SAMRC Institutional Clinician Researcher Development Programme scholarship. The award will fund his pioneering research into nanoparticle-based therapies for Glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of brain cancer.
With a typical survival rate of only 12 to 18 months, Glioblastoma presents a massive challenge to modern medicine due to its invasive nature and its location behind the protective blood–brain barrier.
Bypassing the Blood–Brain Barrier
Traditional chemotherapy often fails to reach brain tumors in effective concentrations because the brain’s natural defenses block most foreign substances. Gomes’s research aims to “hijack” biological systems to deliver life-saving drugs precisely where they are needed.
Comparing Nanoparticle Delivery Systems
The research evaluates three distinct “microscopic carriers” to identify the most effective vehicle for chemotherapy:
- Liposomes: Spherical lipid membranes already proven in various drug delivery applications.
- Polymer-based Particles: Engineered biodegradable materials that can release drugs gradually.
- Polydopamine Nanoparticles: A cutting-edge, less-explored system inspired by dopamine—a molecule the brain already recognizes.
Leveraging the Glymphatic System
In a move that could redefine neuro-oncology, Gomes is exploring the glymphatic system—the brain’s recently discovered waste-clearance network.
Rather than entering the bloodstream, the nanoparticles could be injected into the cerebrospinal fluid, utilizing the glymphatic pathway to bypass the blood-brain barrier and reach the tumor directly. This approach minimizes systemic toxicity, reducing the debilitating side effects often associated with chemotherapy.
The Rise of the Clinician-Scientist
Gomes is part of an elite “intercalated” PhD program at Wits, which allows medical students to pursue advanced research training simultaneously with their medical degrees. This dual training ensures that laboratory innovations are designed with real-world clinical challenges in mind.
“When clinicians enter the research space, they bring that experience with them. They understand the practical challenges of treatment and help design solutions that make sense in real-world settings.” — Dr. Divesha Essa, WADDP Supervisor.
Strategic Impact at WADDP
Under the leadership of Professor Yahya Choonara, WADDP is dedicated to bridging the gap between bench and bedside. The project involves close collaboration with neurosurgeons to build laboratory models that reflect actual patient outcomes, ensuring the research remains patient-centered.
