Dr Ali Athab Al-Kinani
Faculties, departments and locations
- Faculty of Health, Science, Social Care and Education
- Department of Pharmacy
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry
- Penrhyn Road
- Health, Education and Society
Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmaceutics
- Email:
- [email protected]
About
Dr Ali A. Al-Kinani is an Associate Professor in Clinical Pharmaceutics in the Department of Pharmacy at Kingston University. His research focuses on pharmaceutical sciences, advanced drug delivery systems, 3D printing and nanomedicine, with particular emphasis on developing innovative therapies for ocular diseases and other chronic conditions.
Dr Al-Kinani’s research integrates pharmaceutics, biomaterials and pharmaceutical nanotechnology to develop novel drug delivery platforms with translational clinical potential. His work explores controlled drug-release systems, 3D-printed implants, and advanced pharmaceutical formulations designed to improve the treatment of eye diseases and other chronic conditions.
He leads multidisciplinary research projects in pharmaceutical sciences and supervises doctoral and postgraduate researchers working on topics including ocular drug delivery, polymer-based therapeutics and pharmaceutical formulation technologies. His research has attracted international funding and collaborations focused on innovative therapeutic strategies for retinal diseases and sustained drug delivery systems.
Alongside his research activities, Dr Al-Kinani plays an active role in academic leadership and programme development within the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry. He contributes to teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences and currently serves as Course Director for postgraduate programmes in Advanced Therapeutics and Public Health.
Dr Al-Kinani contributes to the international research community through editorial board service and peer review for leading pharmaceutical journals. His work has received national and international recognition, including several research awards and competitive funding.
Dr Al-Kinani completed his BPharm at Baghdad College of Pharmacy and worked as a pharmacist in community and hospital settings in Iraq and Qatar. He later moved to the UK to pursue postgraduate study at Kingston University, where he obtained his MSc in Pharmaceutical Analysis (with distinction) followed by a PhD in Therapeutics and Drug Delivery.
He welcomes opportunities for research collaboration and interdisciplinary partnerships in pharmaceutical sciences and drug delivery research.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD in Therapeutics and drug delivery), Kingston University, London
- Masters in Pharmaceutical Analysis (with distinction), Kingston University, London
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm), Baghdad College of Pharmacy
- Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
Domains
Dr Al-Kinani is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) recognised for delivering research-informed, student-centred teaching that integrates pharmaceutics, drug delivery and translational medicine.
He has extensive experience in higher education, contributing to the design and delivery of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. His teaching focuses on pharmaceutics, drug delivery, pharmaceutical formulation and translational medicine.
He currently serves as Course Director for the MSc in Advanced Therapeutics and Public Health, providing academic leadership for programme development, curriculum design and quality assurance. He previously served as Course Director for the Pharmacy with Biopharmaceutics (Pre-Pharmacy) programme, leading a team of module leaders and teaching staff. Under his leadership, student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS) increased significantly from 71.4% in 2020 to 82% in 2021, and to 90% in 2023.
Dr Al-Kinani is also Module Leader for Research Project (PY7031) and contributes to teaching and assessment across a wide range of modules within the School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, covering areas such as drug delivery, pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical pharmacology and precision medicine.
His teaching philosophy emphasises inclusive and research-informed education, incorporating innovative approaches such as Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL), Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served as Department Lead for Online Examinations, Quality Assurance, and Proctoring, leading the transition to secure online assessment and contributing to institutional best practices, which were presented at the Horizons in STEM Higher Education Conference (2021).
Academic Impact Awards
- Most outstanding contribution to learning and teaching, Academic Impact Awards, Students Voice, Kingston University, May 2023.
- Most engaging personal tutor, Academic Impact Awards, Students Voice, Kingston University, May 2023.
- Nominated for the Personal Project/Dissertation Supervisor Award, 2019 (Kingston University)
Qualifications
- Senior Fellow of Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), 2024
- Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA), 2016.
- Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), 2015.
Course director
Courses taught
Dr Ali A. Al-Kinani is an active researcher in the Department of Pharmacy at Kingston University, working at the intersection of pharmaceutics, drug delivery and pharmaceutical nanotechnology. His research focuses on developing advanced drug delivery systems and innovative therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on ocular drug delivery and treatments for eye diseases and other chronic conditions.
His work integrates pharmaceutical formulation, biomaterials and nanomedicine to develop next-generation drug delivery platforms with translational clinical potential. Current research in his group explores controlled drug release systems, nanoparticle-based therapeutics, polymer-based drug delivery technologies and 3D-printing approaches for personalised ophthalmic medicines.
Research themes
- Ocular drug delivery and ophthalmic therapeutics
- Pharmaceutics and advanced drug delivery systems
- Nanomedicine and nanoparticle drug delivery
- Biomaterials and polymer-based drug delivery systems
- 3D printing technologies for personalised medicines
Research leadership and supervision
Dr Al-Kinani leads multidisciplinary research projects in pharmaceutics and ocular therapeutics and serves as Principal Investigator on several research projects at Kingston University investigating new ophthalmic medicines and drug delivery technologies. Some of this research has generated intellectual property with potential for patent protection, reflecting the translational impact of the work.
He supervises doctoral and postgraduate researchers and regularly hosts international research visitors in his laboratory.
Research funding
Dr Al-Kinani has secured international research funding and collaborative grants, including:
- National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) – Qatar Foundation (PI, $510K)
- International Research Collaboration Co-Funding Program (IRCC) – Qatar University (PI, $175K)
These projects focus on developing innovative therapeutic approaches and sustained drug delivery systems for retinal diseases.
Publications and academic recognition
Dr Al-Kinani has published widely in high-impact international journals in pharmaceutics and drug delivery, including several Q1 journal publications, with outputs submitted to REF 2021.
He has been invited to present his research at major international conferences including the Controlled Release Society, AAPS, and the SMI Ophthalmic Drugs Conference.
Editorial and professional contributions
Dr Al-Kinani contributes to the international research community through editorial roles. He is an Editorial Board Member for Pharmaceutical Development and Technology and serves on the Topic Advisory Board for Pharmaceutics.
Research vision
Dr Al-Kinani’s research aims to advance the development of next-generation drug delivery technologies that improve the effectiveness and accessibility of treatments for ocular and chronic diseases. By combining pharmaceutical formulation science, nanotechnology and emerging manufacturing approaches such as 3D printing, his work seeks to translate innovative discoveries into clinically relevant therapies that improve patient outcomes.
PhD opportunities
Dr Al-Kinani welcomes enquiries from prospective PhD students and research collaborators interested in pharmaceutics, ocular drug delivery, nanomedicine and advanced pharmaceutical formulation technologies.
Specialisms
- Ocular Drug Delivery
- 3D Printing Technology
- Biological Evaluation of New Drugs
- Pharmaceutical Analysis
- Biological Evaluation of Drug Delivery Systems
Scholarly affiliations
- Pharmaceutical Scientist Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
- Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
- Member of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
- Member of the United Kingdom and Ireland Controlled Release Society
- Member of the Controlled Release Society
Dr Ali A. Al-Kinani’s research has a strong applied and translational impact, focusing on the development of innovative pharmaceutical formulations and advanced drug delivery technologies with clinical and industrial applications. He actively builds internal and external collaborations with academic researchers, healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies to translate scientific discoveries into practical therapeutic solutions.
Through these collaborations, Dr Al-Kinani has established industry partnerships that have generated research income for Kingston University and supported the development of novel drug delivery technologies. For example, he led a consultancy collaboration with Modepharma, providing expertise in pharmaceutical formulation and dissolution studies. He is also working with the university’s innovation and enterprise teams to protect intellectual property arising from his research, including novel ophthalmic drug delivery systems and formulation technologies.
Dr Al-Kinani contributes to international knowledge exchange and public engagement. In recognition of his expertise in ocular drug delivery and pharmaceutical innovation, he was invited as an expert speaker on the science and technology programme “Future Insight”, broadcast by Telewizja Polska, where he discussed emerging technologies such as 3D printing for personalised medicines and advanced ocular drug delivery systems.
He welcomes opportunities for collaboration with industry partners, healthcare organisations and interdisciplinary research teams to advance pharmaceutical innovation and drug delivery technologies.
Dr Ali A. Al-Kinani combines academic research with professional practice and knowledge exchange. Before entering academia, he worked as a pharmacist in community and hospital settings in Iraq and Qatar, experience that informs his research in translational pharmaceutics and patient-centred drug delivery systems.
He actively contributes to international knowledge exchange through research supervision, collaborations and engagement with the wider scientific community. Dr Al-Kinani is also involved in public engagement and outreach activities, including the Spectroscopy in a Suitcase programme organised by the Royal Society of Chemistry, which promotes STEM education among school students.
Through these activities, he supports the translation of pharmaceutical research into real-world healthcare applications.
Qualifications and expertise
- Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), Pharmacy Examination Board (2007 – 2008), Qatar
Professional and scholarly affiliations
- Member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society
- Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry
- Member of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA)
- Syndicate of Iraqi Pharmacists
Dr Al-Kinani contributes to the strategic direction of Kingston University through leadership roles in governance, equality initiatives and research oversight.
At university level, he served as a Member of the Kingston University Board of Governors (2019–2022) and as a member of the Academic Council (formerly Senate), contributing to academic strategy, research development and institutional governance.
Dr Al-Kinani is actively involved in equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the Institutional Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team and is a member of the Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team and the Network of Equality Champions, supporting initiatives that promote equity and career development within higher education.
At faculty and departmental level, he contributes to research governance and professional standards as a member of the Faculty Research Ethics Committee and the Fitness to Practise Committee (FtP) in the Department of Pharmacy.
University responsibilities
- Member of Kingston University Board of Governors
- Member of Kingston University Academic Council (Senate) for two cycles
- Member of the Faculty Research Degree committee
- Co-Chair of the Institutional Athena Swan
- Member of Kingston University Race Equality Charter Self-Assessment Team (SAT)
Publications
Sulphur analogues of homoisoflavonoids as potential treatments for neovascular eye diseases
Hiles, Jacob D., Deri, Ola, Sishtla, Kamakshi, Bear, Joseph C., Cockcroft, Jeremy K., Opara, Elizabeth I., Al-Kinani, Ali A., Alany, Raid G., Corson, Timothy W. and Schwikkard, Sianne L., 2026, ChemMedChem (21), 2, Published
Impact of meteorological factors on transmission of respiratory viruses across all age groups in the hot arid climate in Qatar
Husein, May, Younes, Salma, Samara, Muthanna, Alfarra, M. Rami, Al Khal, Abdullatif, Al Maslamani, Muna, Nasrallah, Gheyath K., Al Kuwari, Einas, Al-kinani, Ali, Coyle, Peter V. and Al-Dewik, Nader, 2025, Frontiers in Public Health (13), Published
Green triiron tetraoxide@Algae (Fe <sub>3</sub>O <sub>4</sub>@Algae) nanoparticles for highly efficient removal of lead (Pb <sup>2+</sup>), cadmium (Cd <sup>2+</sup>), and aluminum (Al <sup>3+</sup>) from contaminated water: an isothermal, kinetic, and thermodynamic study
Alesary, Hasan F., Odda, Atheer Hameid, Ismail, Hani K., Hassan, Waqed H., Alghanimi, Ghazwan A., Halbus, Ahmed F., Sultan, Hani K.I., Al-Kinani, Ali A. and Barton, Stephen, 2025, Environmental Science and Pollution Research (32), 11pp 6817-6838, Published
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors and their promising role in treating diabetic retinopathy and other retinal vascular diseases: overview of their routes of administration, pharmacokinetics, formulations, and drug delivery applications
Kadavil, Hana, Ali Adib, Sandi, Marei, Alia, Al-Qahtani, Noora H., Zhu, Ying, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Alany, Raid G. and Younes, Husam M., 2025, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery (22), 9pp 1275-1301, Published
Exploring the ocular absorption pathway of fasudil hydrochloride towards developing a nanoparticulate formulation with improved performance
Osi, Barzan, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Al-Qaysi, Zinah K., Khoder, Mouhamad and Alany, Raid G., 2024, Pharmaceutics (16), 1, Published
Sustained release ocular drug delivery systems for glaucoma therapy
Al-Qaysi, Zinah K., Beadham, Ian G., Schwikkard, Sianne L., Bear, Joseph C., Al-Kinani, Ali A. and Alany, Raid G., 2023, Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery, E-pub ahead of print
Pharmacological treatment strategies of pterygium: drugs, biologics, and novel natural products
Baheran, Sanaz Sadig, Alany, Raid G., Schwikkard, Sianne, Muen, Wisam, Salman, Lena Namaan, Freestone, Nicholas and Al-Kinani, Ali A., 2022, Drug Discovery Today, E-pub ahead of print
Pharmaceutical, biomedical and ophthalmic applications of biodegradable polymers (BDPs): literature and patent review
Osi, Barzan, Khoder, Mouhamad, Al-Kinani, Ali A. and Alany, Raid G., 2022, Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, E-pub ahead of print
Polymeric long-acting drug delivery systems (LADDS) for treatment of chronic diseases: inserts, patches, wafers, and implants
Abdelkader, Hamdy, Fathalla, Zeinab, Seyfoddin, Ali, Farahani, Mojtaba, Thrimawithana, Thilini, Allahham, Ayman, Alani, Adam W.G., Al-Kinani, Ali A. and Alany, Raid G., 2021, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (177), Published
A hybrid ocular delivery system of cyclosporine-A comprising nanomicelle-laden polymeric inserts with improved efficacy and tolerability
Terreni, Eleonora, Chetoni, Patrizia, Burgalassi, Susi, Tampucci, Silvia, Zucchetti, Erica, Chipala, Edwin, Alany, Raid G., Al-Kinani, Ali A. and Monti, Daniela, 2021, Biomaterials Science (9), 24pp 8235-8248, Published
Studies on surfactants, cosurfactants, and oils for prospective use in formulation of ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic nanoemulsions
Smail, Shahla S., Ghareeb, Mowafaq M., Omer, Huner K., Al-Kinani, Ali A. and Alany, Raid G., 2021, Pharmaceutics (13), 4, Published
Assembling surfactants-mucoadhesive polymer nanomicelles (ASMP-Nano) for ocular delivery of Cyclosporine-A
Terreni, Eleonora, Chetoni, Patrizia, Tampucci, Silvia, Burgalassi, Susi, Al-Kinani, Ali Athab, Alany, Raid G. and Monti, Daniela, 2020, Pharmaceutics (12), 3, Published
Monocaprin eye drop formulation to combat antibiotic resistant gonococcal blindness
Churchward, Colin P., Al-Kinani, Ali A., Abdelkader, Hamdy, Swinden, Julian, Siwoku, Opeoluwa, Varnakulasingam, Thinuba, Alany, Raid G. and Snyder, Lori A.S., 2020, Scientific Reports (10), Published
Retinal cell regeneration using tissue engineered polymeric scaffolds
Abedin Zadeh, Maria, Khoder, Mouhamad, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Younes, Husam M. and Alany, Raid G., 2019, Drug Discovery Today (24), 8pp 1669-1678, Published
Incorporating morpholine and oxetane into benzimidazolequinone anti-tumor agents: the discovery of 1,4,6,9-tetramethoxyphenazine from hydrogen peroxide and hydroiodic acid-mediated oxidative cyclizations
Conboy, Darren, Mirallai, Styliana I., Craig, Austin, McArdle, Patrick, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Barton, Stephen and Aldabbagh, Fawaz, 2019, The Journal of Organic Chemistry (84), 15pp 9811-9818, Published
Engineering and development of chitosan-based nanocoatings for ocular contact lenses
Mehta, Prina, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Arshad, Muhammad Sohail, Singh, Neenu, van der Merwe, Susanna M., Chang, Ming Wei, Alany, Raid G. and Ahmad, Zeeshan, 2019, Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (108), 4pp 1540-1551, Published
Ophthalmic gels: past, present and future
Al-Kinani, Ali A., Zidan, Ghada, Elsaid, Naba, Seyfoddin, Ali, Alani, Adam W.G. and Alany, Raid G., 2018, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (126)pp 113-126, Published
Fatty acid based microemulsions to combat ophthalmia neonatorum caused by 'Neisseria gonorrhoeae' and 'Staphylococcus aureus'
Butt, Ummara, ElShaer, Amr, Snyder, Lori A.S., Al-Kinani, Ali A., Le Gresley, Adam and Alany, Raid G., 2018, Nanomaterials (8), 1, Published
Stainless steel with tailored porosity using canister-free hot isostatic pressing for improved osseointegration implants
Hassanin, Hany, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Elshaer, Amr, Polycarpou, Elena, El-Sayed, Mahmoud Ahmed and Essa, Khamis, 2017, Journal of Materials Chemistry B (5), 47pp 9384-9394, Published
Electrically atomised formulations of timolol maleate for direct and on-demand ocular lens coatings
Mehta, Prina, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Haj-Ahmad, Rita, Arshad, Muhammad Sohail, Chang, Ming Wei, Alany, Raid G. and Ahmad, Zeeshan, 2017, European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics (119)pp 170-184, Published
Development and characterisation of electrospun timolol maleate-loaded polymeric contact lens coatings containing various permeation enhancers
Mehta, Prina, Al-Kinani, Ali A., Arshad, Muhammad Sohail, Chang, Ming Wei, Alany, Raid G. and Ahmad, Zeeshan, 2017, International Journal of Pharmaceutics (532), 1pp 408-420, Published
Approaches in topical ocular drug delivery and developments in the use of contact lenses as drug-delivery devices
Mehta, Prina, Haj-Ahmad, Rita, Al-Kinani, Ali, Arshad, Muhammad Sohail, Chang, Ming Wei, Alany, Raid G. and Ahmad, Zeeshan, 2017, Therapeutic Delivery (8), 7pp 521-541, Published
Nano-engineering chitosan particles to sustain the release of promethazine from orodispersables
Elwerfalli, Arwa Matoug, Al-Kinani, Ali, Alany, Raid G. and Elshaer, Amr, 2015, Carbohydrate Polymers (131)pp 447-461, Published
Analysis of 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography: application for ocular delivery using chitosan nanoparticles
Al-Kinani, Ali Athab, Naughton, Declan P., Calabrese, Gianpiero, Vangala, Anil, Smith, James R., Pierscionek, Barbara K. and Alany, Raid G., 2015, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry (407), 9pp 2645-2650, Published
Nanotechnology in ophthalmic drug delivery
Al-Kinani, Ali A., Calabrese, Gianpiero, Vangala, Anil, Naughton, Declan and Alany, Raid G. (2012). In: Souto, Eliana B., (eds.), Berlin, Germany:pp 277-303 [Published]
A prophylaxis and treatment for gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum.
Snyder, Lori, Churchward, Colin, Al-Kinani, Ali, Kirk, Ruth, Walker, Anthony J., Abdelkader, Hamdy, Swindon, J, Calder, Alan, Varnakulasingam, Thinuba and Alany, Raid(2018). [Accepted/In press]
Activity of natural products against Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Churchward, Colin, Aruda, Polliane, Sears, Andrew, Galanaki, Venetia, Arutsothy, Archana, Naidu, Puspalatha Raja, Perera, Damithi, Al-Kinani, Ali and Snyder, Lori(2018). [Accepted/In press]
Development and validation of a new HPLC method for quantification of (R)-(-)-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid in simulated aqueous humor
Al-Kinani, A., Vangala, A., Naughton, D., Pierscionek, B., Calabrese, G. and Alany, R.(2013). [Published]
Formulation and optimization of ophthalmic chitosan nanoparticles using experimental design
Al-Kinani, A, Virdi, K and Alany, R(2013). [Published]
N-glycerol alkyl chitosan submicron particles as drug delivery systems: formulation and characterization studies
Al-Kinani, A., Abbas, Z., Calabrese, G., Pierscionek, B., Vangala, A., Naughton, D. and Alany, R.(2013). [Published]
Separation and quantification of methionine in simulated aqueous humor using capillary electrophoresis
Al-Kinani, A. A., Naughton, D., Pierscionek, B., Vangala, A., Swinden, J., Calabrese, G. and Alany, R.(2013). [Published]
New HPLC method for quantification of 2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid permeated through excised bovine sclera
Al-Kinani, A. A.(2013). [Published]
Separation and quantification of cystine and cysteine in simulated aqueous humor using capillary electrophoresis
Al-Kinani, A.A., Calabrese, G., Naughton, D.P., Pierscionek, B.K., Swinden, J., Vangala, A. and Alany, R. G.(2013). [Published]
N-modification of chitosan for improved membrane permeability: synthesis, physicochemical characterization and submicron particle formulation
Al-Kinani, A.(2013). [Published]
Delivery of antioxidants to the lens using nanoparticles
Al-Kinani, Ali Athab Tahar (2016), PhD thesis [Accepted/In press]
Gallery of work
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Dr Al-Kinani Presenting his research at an international conference
The SMI Annual Ophthalmic Drugs Conference (2021)
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Dr Al-Kinani presenting his work on cerium oxide nanoparticles in ocular drug delivery
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Conference Presentation at The United Kingston and Ireland Controlled Release Society (UKICRS) 2016
Dr Al-Kinani giving a talk about a novel nanoparticulate system in ophthalmic drug delivery
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Dr Al-Kinani presenting his talk regarding delivery of antioxidants to the eye for cataract prophylaxis
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) UK chapter
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Dr Al-Kinani demonstrating the "interactive parodic table" outreach activity
Kingston University Civic Receptions 2017
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Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Focus Group discussions
The Controlled Released Society Annual Meeting
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"Teaching through Research" workshop
UNESCO Chair of Science, Paris, France 2014
