With innovators exploring new approaches to deliver drugs, the arena for drug delivery technologies continues to expand. In this article we look at some innovative drug delivery technologies which are at various phases of development.
► Halozyme’s ENHANZE® Drug Delivery Technology
Based on the recombinant human hyaluronidase PH20 enzyme (rHuPH20), Halozyme’s ENHANZE® drug delivery technology enables efficient subcutaneous delivery of co‐administered therapeutics.
The concomitant administration of rHuPH20 with partner therapies helps overcome the administration time and volume barriers associated with subcutaneous formulations - rHuPH20 degrades the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, which creates resistance to bulk fluid flow in the subcutaneous space and hence limits delivery of large volume drug.
Halozyme has collaborated with big hospital supply companies like Roche, Pfizer, Janssen, Baxalta, AbbVie, Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Alexion and argenx. The ENHANZE drug delivery technology is approved as part of the following therapies:
• Rituxan Hycela®
• Mabthera® SC
• Hyqvia®
• Herceptin® SC
• Herceptin HylectaTM
► Suono Bio’s Ultrasound-guided Drug Delivery
Suono Bio is using low frequency sound waves as a tool for achieving more effective drug delivery.
The novel technology pairs liquid drugs with low-frequency ultrasound to create very small bubbles to push the medication directly into the gastrointestinal tract tissue. The company is targeting gastrointestinal conditions such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis that often require rectal enemas. As per animal studies, this method can deliver up to 20 times more drugs in one minute compared to the use of an enema; it also enables a shorter and less frequent use of the treatment.
Suono Bio is currently awaiting FDA approval for initiating clinical trials.
► Nemaura’s Micro-Patch platform – A Skin Drug Delivery System
Nemaura’s Pharma’s Micro-Patch platform uses a retractable microneedle to deposit solid formulations of drugs, such as biologics, under the skin. Based on this novel technology, Nemaura has developed a teriparatide microneedle product to prevent fractures in osteoporosis patients.
Teriparatide Micro-Patch comprises solid hormone coated onto a single microneedle. An aseptic process is followed for formulating the solid dose (teriparatide 20 μg) and mounting it on a single needle patch to form a shaped dose, which remains in the skin when the patch is pressed on and removed.
Poised to reduce some of the challenges of self-administration (by needle and syringe), microneedles represent a more convenient form of drug delivery. The non-invasive technology could also help to improve drug release control and absorption.
Nemaura’s microneedle patch, delivers the complete drug dose in two seconds after application. Additionally, the Micro-Patch comprises a solid dose which is stable at room temperature and hence does not require refrigeration.
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