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Innovative research into diabetes-related infections has led Usman Arshad to become the first pharmacy student in England to win a prestigious European science award.

Usman with his award in Lisbon

Usman, aged 23, who is studying Pharmacy MPharm (Hons) at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ Leicester (Âéw¶¹´«Ã½), received the award for investigating the microbiological and pharmaceutical properties of Stimulan®, a product used in the treatment of diabetic foot osteomyelitis.

He has won the 2023 EAHP-EPSA Student Science Award, offered by the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) to just one member of the European Pharmaceutical Students' Association (EPSA). Besides Usman, only five other pharmacy students have received the award since its inception in 2011.

Usman, who is due to graduate in September, carried out intensive research for the 10-week study under the supervision of Dr Ryan Hamilton, a Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ and a Consultant Antimicrobial Pharmacist.

“The aim of the research was to look at developing technologies to treat bone infections in people living with diabetes, through the use of a calcium sulphate composite called Stimulan®, which can be mixed with various antimicrobials and implanted into infected bones,” Usman explained.

“Around one in three people with diabetes will develop foot ulcers in their lifetime, which can lead to chronic infections of subdermal tissues and bones - known as osteomyelitis. While this product, in the form of pellets, has been used for some time, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to the antibiotics traditionally incorporated into these composites. So, I wanted to find some solutions for the best mix of antibiotics to circumvent drug resistant infections.”

As a result of Usman’s research, the calcium sulphate (more commonly known at plaster of Paris) pellets which are mixed with a new blend of antibiotics, are inserted surgically into the bone and have already been successfully used to help treat bone infections. The research was enabled through funding from Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ and the Gunn and Carter Research Studentships for 2021-22.

Dr Hamilton praised the novel research: “Usman has successfully identified some new combinations of antibiotics to treat patients with bone infections. I am incredibly proud of his achievement, becoming the first student in the UK to win this prestigious award.

“I think Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ may be the only university in the country focusing on the pharmaceutical aspects of this material, with the aim of targeting antibiotic resistant pathogens, which has received interest nationally and internationally.”

Usman added: “I was amazed and shocked to hear that I had won this award. I never expected it. I was with my family in Blackburn when we received the news, and they were equally excited.”

Usman was invited to the awards presentation at the closing ceremony of the EAHP Congress in Lisbon, where he presented his research to an eminent team of scientists. He received financial support from both EAHP and Âéw¶¹´«Ã½’s School of Pharmacy to fund his attendance.

Reflecting on the experience, Usman said: "I felt delighted and honoured to attend the Congress in Lisbon. The chance to present my research and have it recognised has been incredibly fulfilling, inspiring me to continue my pursuit of clinical knowledge and research."

Besides the excitement of winning the award, Usman can look forward to a year’s training placement from July with Imaan Healthcare GP & Community in Burnley, near his family home.

Reflecting on his journey, Usman expressed his gratitude, saying: "I have cherished four fulfilling years at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½, forming lasting friendships and receiving invaluable support from my teachers. I owe my presence here and the honour of accepting this award entirely to Âéw¶¹´«Ã½."

Usman's path to university education in the UK was not without challenges, as he was born and raised in Pakistan and migrated to the UK at the age of 11. His immigration status posed obstacles during his university application process.

Despite excelling in his A-levels in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, he was accepted only at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½. “I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity extended to me and the scholarship I received,” he said. “I am so grateful that Âéw¶¹´«Ã½ opened doors for me that might otherwise have remained closed.”

Usman is the first in his family to have gone to university in the UK. “They are very proud of me and are really excited to be coming to my graduation,” he added.

While at Âéw¶¹´«Ã½, Usman also found time during Covid-19 to do some voluntary work, helping through Age UK to teach elderly clients to use computers and mobile phones. “I wanted to do something useful to help the community during the pandemic,” he said.