Emmanuel Oyekanmi Akala

Emmanuel O. Akala, R.Ph., Ph.D. serves as Professor of Pharmaceutics in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Howard University's College of Pharmacy. He holds additional leadership roles as Chair of the Howard University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and Director of the Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery, and Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Drug Products Design. His research program has secured over $10 million in NIH, NSF, and DoD funding.

His academic journey includes:

• Bachelor of Pharmacy (1980) and M.Sc. in Pharmaceutics (1983) from University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria
• DAAD Research Fellowship in Biopharmaceutics (1983) at University of Münster, Germany
• Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics (1986) from University of Manchester, England as Commonwealth Scholar
• NIH Postdoctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutics and Bioengineering (1994-1997) at University of Utah

Akala's research focuses on nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for cancer and HIV/AIDS treatment, integrating Quality by Design (QbD) and process analytical technology. His work spans biodegradable nanoparticles, pH-responsive carriers, and sterile dosage form optimization. He teaches advanced courses including Nanotherapeutics, Drug Stability and Packaging, and Advances in Drug Delivery Systems.

His publication record shows consistent innovation from 1998 to 2017, with emphasis on polymeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery, particularly in oncology and antiretroviral therapy. Key trends include stealth coating technologies, computer-aided formulation optimization, and pH-sensitive systems for colon-specific delivery.

Major recognitions include:

• AACR Minority-Serving Institution Faculty Scholar Award (2014)
• Washington DC Pharmacy Association NASPA Excellence in Innovation Award (2016)
• Howard University Distinguished Faculty Award (2013)
• USP Expert Committee appointment (2015)

Akala has mentored numerous Pharm.D. and Ph.D. students alongside postdoctoral fellows, including participants in the Brazil Scientific Mobility Program. His $10+ million research portfolio includes NIH/NCI and NIH/NIAID grants focused on nanomedicine applications for HIV cure research and triple-negative breast cancer. The Laboratory for Nanomedicine he directs facilitates interdisciplinary collaborations across the U.S., Germany, UK, and Denmark.

His leadership extends to the U.S. Pharmacopeia's Center for Pharmaceutical Advancement and Training Advisory Group since 2013, where he contributes to national pharmaceutical standards development.