Pharmaceutical Technologist - July 2008 - (Page 12)

The drug delivery market Respiratory. Anti-asthmatic powders based on nanotechnology have been shown to have better absorption than current drugs for respiratory diseases. Diabetes. SmartCells’ (SmartCells Inc., MA, USA) technology deals with nanoparticles in the 80 nm–1 . These nanoparticles contain insulin molecules and sugar-sensitive proteins bonded to biodegradable polymers. The nanoparticles are injected to a repository under the skin where SmartInsulin is released from the engineered glucose-binding molecule only in the presence of a specific blood glucose concentration. Diabetics can administer one injection daily rather than multiple pricks for glucose testing and injecting insulin. As the blood glucose levels increase, the SmartCells’ glucose-sensitive matrix breaks down to release the SmartInsulin. The higher the glucose level, the more insulin is released. This system mimics the endogenous beta cell function. TheraFuse (CA, USA) is expected to develop a novel insulin delivery technology using microelectromechanical technology. The device, TheraFusorE, will contain micro needles and a disposable component of the insulin. The device is strapped to the skin using adhesives and a reusable unit containing the logic, metering and communication circuit is attached to the disposable unit. This proprietary system will deliver the required drug dose automatically. Meanwhile, Flamel Technologies Inc. (France) has developed Medusa, a protein carrier technology comprising a self-assembled poly-amino acid nanoparticle system. Naturally occurring amino acids such as Leu (hydrophobic) and Glu (hydrophilic) form stable nanoparticles spontaneously in water. The exposure to water makes the poly Leu chains form inside the structure, while the poly Glu chains face the water. The particle size is 20–50 nm in diameter and contains 95% water and 5% Leu-Glu polymer. This nanoparticle is stable in varying pH and can be stored in both liquid and dry forms. After the injection of the nanoparticles, the captured drug is released into the body. There is no denaturation of the protein drug and, hence, biological activity is maintained. The Medusa nanoparticles are also nonimmunogenic and have less chance of causing irritation at the site of delivery Technology edge is critical and novel drug delivery methods should focus on providing the maximum patient benefits in addition to having commercial viability. Life cycle management strategies Patent expiries of blockbuster drugs have rendered significant losses to the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry. However, it is at this juncture that the importance of novel drug delivery can be fully realized. Introducing a novel drug delivery technology to an established product is likely to enhance its life cycle, a crucial step that pharmaceutical players can use to sustain their market presence. Frost & Sullivan believes that continuous research efforts in the area of drug delivery will enable the production of novel drug/device combinations. In addition, the future is bound to witness advancements in protein delivery through oral, nasal, buccal, pulmonary and transdermal delivery systems. As monoclonal antibodies therapeutics are attaining blockbuster status, noninvasive drug delivery techniques are being researched for delivering these drugs. The drug delivery market is likely to exhibit a major upheaval if this is achieved. Furthermore, great efforts are being made to develop the oral delivery of protein drugs. Once this is accomplished, the concept of drug delivery will reach a new level and the market will whip up unthinkable revenues. PT Future trends Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies should try to forge fruitful alliances with pure-play drug delivery companies. Frost & Sullivan’s analysis reveals that pharmaceutical companies look for various parameters before forging alliances with drug delivery companies, particularly their technology edge, reputation and quality. Figure 2 presents the key parameters for a partnership deal in the European drug delivery market in 2007. Figure 2 The parameters for a partnership deal in the European drug delivery market in 2007. Cost and timeframe Contract terms Parameters Reputation IP strength Focus on quality Technology edge 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 Percent (%) 12 July 2008 PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGIST

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Pharmaceutical Technologist - July 2008 Contents Industry Highlights Morpheus Market Watch Overcoming the Barriers The Tide of Change Eight Steps to Improved Water Efficiency Q&A

Pharmaceutical Technologist - July 2008

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