London, 30 June 2025

What is your name, role, and location? 

I'm Samuel Cook, a scientist in Analytical Research and Development at Hikma Pharmaceuticals in Columbus, Ohio, specialising in oral and nasal product development.  
 
Could you tell us about your day-to-day activities? 

On a typical day, my work involves performing detailed analyses on product samples, reviewing data collected by other analysts, and developing methods for new technologies, such as the Realistic Breath Simulator and Automated Dose Collector. I also conduct statistical analyses of results to address key questions related to formulation and product development, ensuring our processes remain innovative and effective. 
 
What are the key challenges and opportunities in your role?
 
Working with novel products like dry powder inhalers and nasal sprays offers both challenges and exciting opportunities. Since there’s often less precedent for testing these unique devices, our team gets to explore uncommon technologies such as lasers and robotic systems to create solutions. For instance, we've tackled the complexities of interfacing dose collection equipment with devices of unusual sizes and shapes by leveraging unconventional tools like 3D printing and silicon molding. It’s a rewarding experience to blend creativity and expertise to pioneer solutions that keep our processes at the forefront of the pharmaceutical industry. 
 
How would you describe working at Hikma? 

Working at Hikma is really both challenging and rewarding. I am involved with multiple projects and there's definitely pressure to get high-quality scientific studies done on really tight deadlines. Despite all that pressure, the work is still really engaging and keeps me stimulated. What I like most about it though is the supportive culture - it really encourages collaboration and helps you grow. I'm surrounded by incredibly talented and smart colleagues, so every day I get the chance to learn from real experts in the field.