Fernando Perez is a Ph. D. student working on the development of an electrochemical biosensor able to detect signalling molecules in a urinary matrix. He works in Professor Patel’s lab, with supervision from Dr J. Young and Professor Callaghan.

His introduction to the field of urology occurred during an ERASMUS placement in the final year of his pharmacy degree. The placement was at the University of Gothenburg where he worked under Dr Carlsson, studying the role of Acetylcholine release from the Urothelium in Overactive bladder.

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a collection of urological dysfunction symptoms; increased urinary urgency, frequency, and waking up at night to urinate. This type of incontinence affects up to 12% of the population, disproportionately affecting women and the elderly. Despite the financial burden and decreased quality of life, pharmacological treatment is often ineffective or causes severe side effects in an already vulnerable population group.

Bladder dysfunction has been linked to changes in signalling molecules Acetylcholine (ACh), Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Nitric Oxide (NO) which are thought to be released locally from bladder cells. Though these molecules have been studied individually, they only act as biomarkers when used together in conjunction with symptomatic groups. There is currently no gold standard diagnostic test for OAB, highlighting the need for a portable and non-invasive diagnostic device that can use these molecules as biomarkers and determine whether a patient would benefit from pharmacological treatment.

Fernando graduated with an MPharm from the University of Brighton in 2017. After qualifying as a pharmacist in 2018 he returned back to Brighton University to continue research into Overactive Bladder. He continues to locum as a community pharmacist for Kamsons.