PHARMACEUTICALS
Enhancing drug delivery
Efficient drug delivery is critical to ensure therapeutic efficacy , particularly for the delivery of innovative vaccines , which can rely on biologic drug substances that are inherently fragile and easily degraded by enzymes in the body .
The combination of chemistry and biologics has led to the development of innovative drug delivery systems ( DDSs ) like lipid nanoparticles that enhance bioavailability , prolong drug release and enhance therapeutic outcomes . As a result , biotechs are increasingly relying on DDS platforms to help improve the selectivity , effectiveness and safety of their biologic . Other DDSs commonly used to support biologic delivery include liposomes , microspheres , albumin nanoparticles and micelles .
However , harnessing the potential of these systems requires extensive expertise as DDS platforms add to the complexity of drug development and manufacturing , requiring segregation strategies , specialised processing equipment and advanced analytical technologies .
More advanced analytical techniques are also commonly needed for therapies relying on DDSs , required to assess the physicochemical properties of the drug product ( DP ) and to characterise the advantages the delivery system provides . This could include analysing the impact of the carrier on the extended-release , bioavailability , potency and target specificity of the DP .
When producing innovative vaccines or other biologics requiring DDS , biotechs must identify CDMOs that have the capabilities and expertise to overcome these complexities . This includes offering facilities with compounding suites and specialised fill-finish lines , robust analytical techniques and validation strategies .
Partnerships for success
The intersection of chemistry and biology is a driver of transformative advances in the pharmaceutical industry . This dynamic field has opened up new possibilities for powerful drug modalities combining biologics and small molecule components , personalised medicine and enhanced DDSs .
With ongoing advances in chemistry and biologics , we can expect a continuous stream of innovative therapies that offer improved outcomes for patients across a range of diseases . As researchers , scientists and pharmaceutical stakeholders continue to explore this intersection , the future of medicine promises to be more precise , effective and patientcentric than ever before .
For biotechs to unlock the potential of their complex biologics in the future , they must continue to rely on CDMOs at the forefront of innovation in chemistry and biology that offer the expertise , capabilities and facilities needed to effectively deliver the project to market . This
References 1 : J . K . Liu , Ann . Med . Surg . ( Lond .), September 2014 , 11:3 ( 4 ): 113-6 2 : https :// www . statista . com / statistics / 1085563 / revenue-chemical-drugs-and-biologics-global-pharmaceuticals / 3 : https :// www . precedenceresearch . com / cell-and-gene-therapy-market 4 : M . Kesireddy , S . R . Kothapalli , S . G . Gundepalli et al ., Pharm . Med . 2004 , 38 , 39 – 54 5 : American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy , Quarterly Data Report , Q4 2003 6 : D . V . Schaffer , J . T . Koerber & H . I . Lim , Ann . Rev . Biomed . Eng . 2008 , 10:169-94
includes experience supporting a broad range of complex therapeutics , including ADCs , vaccines and CGTs , as well as broad capabilities to support liquid formulation and lyophilisation , pre-filled syringes , vials and cartridges . An experienced partner with broad capabilities can help developers skilfully manoeuvre through complexities , keeping pace with both scientific advancements and regulatory requirements . ●
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Tom Wilson
VP OF CONTRACT MANUFACTURING
PFIZER CENTREONE tom . wilson @ pfizer . com www . pfizercentreone . com
34 SPECIALITY CHEMICALS MAGAZINE ESTABLISHED 1981