UFR of Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences

Portrait of a researcher: Marie Morille

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Marie Morille is a lecturer at the University of Montpellier (Faculty of Pharmacy) and at theInstitut Charles Gerhardt de Montpellier (ICGM).

My journey

After a Master's degree in Cell Biology (University of Angers), I completed a PhD in nanomedicine (2006-2009), focusing on the development of immune-stealthy lipid nanoparticles for tumor gene therapy.

I then worked as an ATER in Bordeaux (Université Victor Segalen) exploring aspects of nanotoxicity, before completing a post-doctorate at the interface between galenic pharmacy (protein encapsulation) and cell therapy, working on the development of pharmacologically active microcarriers for cartilage regeneration (Université d'Angers/Université de Montpellier). In this way, I've developed multidisciplinary expertise at the interface of physico-chemistry, galenics and biology, which enables me to interact with very different audiences, which is particularly stimulating!

My research activities at the ICGM (Chemistry & MacroMolecular Materials Department)

Since 2012, I have been conducting research into the design of biomolecule delivery systems, with a particular focus on the coordination between the physicochemical properties of nanovectors and the impact this can have on the biological performance of these systems. My main research focuses on the development and characterization of nanomedicine, in particular for the delivery of nucleic acids (siRNA, mRNA), as well as on the engineering of natural nanomedicine, extracellular vesicles (EVs), in order to rationalize their therapeutic application. This last theme, combining my initial training as a cell biologist with my interest in galenic pharmacy and physicochemistry, is particularly exciting!

To answer these scientific questions, my group is made up of chemists, biologists and pharmacists who work together on a daily basis. This diversity of profiles gives rise to different questions and complementary approaches, which is particularly enriching both humanly and scientifically, and often very effective in meeting scientific challenges!

Teaching activities

My teaching activities, within the Department of Galenic Pharmacy, Biomaterials and Cosmetology, focus on pharmaceutical sciences applied to biotherapies, with particular emphasis on nanomedicines (formulation, physicochemical and biological characterization, clinical application). Indeed, there is a strong need at national level, and particularly in the Occitanie region, to train future healthcare professionals capable of designing and administering these particular drugs that are biotherapies. This means learning how to formulate these highly specific biomolecules, which are also very delicate to handle and administer.

Since January 2024, I've been coordinating theImmune4cure IHU education program dedicated to developing treatments for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. This program aims to offer a multidisciplinary training program for doctors, pharmacists, scientists and PhD students, who will then be able to work in GMP biomanufacturing facilities and address the specificities of innovative cell therapies to offer personalized/precision medicine.

In this context, by 2027, we plan to participate in the creation of an innovative training platform within the Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences UFR to enable, in particular, training in the production and characterization (physico-chemical and biological) of natural (EV) and synthetic (nanomedicine) nanoparticles.

How does the IUF provide a favorable environment for my research?

Since 2022, I've been a junior member of theInstitut Universitaire de France (IUF). This delegation has enabled me to obtain additional resources to develop my research activities, but above all to free up my time - a precious commodity for a teacher-researcher - so that I can hope to be competitive in this highly dynamic field of research.

The aim of this 5-year IUF project is to develop different types of EV-based biopharmaceuticals for pulmonary administration, in particular by nebulization. Indeed, this route of administration, very little evaluated at present for EVs, has great potential in various pulmonary pathologies. Thanks to this delegation, I've just returned from a Fulbright-supported mobility program in California (UC Davis), where I worked with a research team dedicated to the therapeutic use of EVs and cell therapy. A particularly enriching experience, both scientifically and personally.