Dr. Rachid’s research focuses on the design and biopharmaceutical evaluation of innovative drug delivery systems, with a particular emphasis on oromucosal formulations such as sublingual and buccal dosage forms. His work aims to enhance the rate and extent of systemic drug absorption through mucosal tissues, providing rapid-onset and patient-friendly alternatives to invasive delivery routes. His group investigates key formulation variables—including excipient selection, film composition, surfactant effects, and micro/nanostructure optimization—and evaluates their impact on dissolution, permeability, and pharmacokinetic performance.

He is widely recognized for his pioneering work on sublingual epinephrine delivery, where his team developed rapidly dissolving sublingual tablets as needle-free substitutes for injectable formulations in the management of anaphylaxis. This program has resulted in multiple U.S. and worldwide patents and successful technology licensing with academic and industry partners in Canada and the United States. His ongoing studies extend these concepts to other drugs with poor oral bioavailability, aiming to optimize mucosal absorption and systemic exposure.

In addition, Dr. Rachid employs computational and pharmacokinetic modeling approaches—including PBPK, population PK, and model-informed precision dosing (MIPD)—to complement experimental work and elucidate factors affecting interindividual variability in drug disposition. His modeling studies target special populations such as pediatrics, obese individuals, and patients with compromised physiology, where standard dosing may lead to suboptimal or unsafe exposures.

Parallel efforts in his lab address drug stability under real-world environmental stress, including high temperature and humidity conditions relevant to emergency medical service (EMS) settings in the Gulf region. These investigations aim to establish evidence-based storage guidelines and ensure formulation robustness under challenging climates.

With over 35 peer-reviewed publications, four U.S. patents, and research funding exceeding one million USD, Dr. Rachid’s integrated approach—spanning formulation design, biopharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetics—reflects his commitment to translating laboratory findings into clinically viable, safe, and effective therapeutic options.