Pharmacy Daily | Pharmacist invention seeks US patent

RESEARCHERS at Charles Darwin University (CDU) are advancing a novel drug delivery system that could potentially eliminate the need for injections to treat various chronic diseases. Dr Nazim Nassar (pictured), a practicing pharmacist and pharmaceutical scientist at CDU, along with Prof Stefan Kasapis, a biophysicist from RMIT, have recently applied for a US patent for their innovative "gel-like casing" technology, which enables oral delivery of therapeutic proteins and vaccines traditionally administered by injection. The technology incorporates a hydrogel capsule that can be taken orally, withstand temperatures up to 40oC, and with an acidity of pH 2.4, protects the medication from stomach acidity. Dr Nassar explained that this method could be especially beneficial for conditions like proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a common cause of blindness globally where patients currently endure painful eye injections. "Administering sensitive medications in high stomach acidity and temperature conditions will become simpler with this new hydrogel technology," he told Pharmacy Daily. "It allows the production of highly stable medications, paving the way for oral tablets to replace injections for drugs like insulin, anti-arthritic or anti-cancer medications, and several vaccines." The medication will also be affordably priced, due to reduced manufacturing costs, he added. In addition, refrigeration is not necessary, eliminating cold chain delivery costs. "This breakthrough will expand patient access to critical medicines to treat chronic and debilitating illnesses through their local community pharmacies," he said. "I believe it will positively impact patients' compliance by reducing the number of doses and eliminating the invasive injection route of administration," he said. Nassar added the development marks the "first opportunity" for the pharmaceutical industry to access cross-disciplinary technology grounded in fundamental principles of biophysics and biopharmaceutical sciences. "Our ageing population is also growing, and so is the prevalence of health issues, so the healthcare system needs more ways to ensure treatment is efficient and effective as much as possible," he said. "There will also be huge savings for customers, Medicare, and it is a greener option with a reduced need for incineration of needles and syringes." JG

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