125 stories for 125 years

Barrie Finnin

Professor Finnin graduated with a PhC from the college in 1967, followed by a Bachelor of Pharmacy in 1969 and a PhD from the University of Melbourne in 1980. Formerly a senior lecturer in the college’s Department of Pharmaceutics, Professor Finnin leads an internationally recognised transdermal drug delivery program. His appointment follows the creation in 2005, of the college’s Chair of Formulation Science – the first in Australia and one of only a few worldwide. Formulation science is about inventing new products and enhancing existing products.

His general research interests are in transdermal drug delivery, topical drug delivery, mucosal drug delivery and cosmeceuticals. Barrie’s current research is in the localisation of drugs during penetration through the skin, the mechanism of action of transdermal penetration enhancers and drug uptake by the buccal mucosa. His transdermal drug delivery research program led to the establishment of pharmaceutical company Acrux Limited in 1998. The metered dose transdermal spray is currently being developed and used in clinical trials. Two Acrux products are in the final stage of development for the United States market.

Professor Finnin’s teaching responsibilities have included biopharmaceutics, pharmaceutical microbiology, formulation chemistry and product development. Barrie is proud to be able to demonstrate a link to Takeru Higuchi, regarded as the father of physical pharmacy, and is equally proud of the scientists he has trained.

In his new role, Barrie will lead, organise, develop and manage formulation science activities within the college. His duties will include management of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, strategic research development, and the further development of linkages with the many industries that depend on formulation science. One of his first tasks will be to establish a Centre for Formulation Science with strong links to other parts of Monash and with other universities, research institutes and allied industries

Barrie’s family has a strong affiliation with the college. Wife Karen graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy in 1974, followed by a Graduate Diploma in Hospital Pharmacy in 1983. She was the coordinator of the formulation science program for many years, retiring at the end of 2004. Their son Ben graduated from the Bachelor of Formulation Science course in 2004.  He is currently undertaking his PhD.

‘The ability to make scientific contributions in a wide range of areas is a very satisfying aspect of my career. The application of scientific findings to produce products that will benefit people is an important part of my research.’