Beyond the Shot: Biopharma’s Quest for Lasting Drug Delivery

GLP-1 drugs, known for their long-lasting effects in managing diabetes and obesity, inspire new advancements in sustained drug delivery across various therapeutic areas.

Similar principles are now being applied to broader therapeutic contexts. The biopharma industry is increasingly focusing on technologies that enable sustained drug delivery, reducing the need for frequent dosing and enhancing patient compliance.

Recent Examples

A. SEND Technology: This innovative platform transforms cells into continuous drug factories, providing extended therapeutic benefits through sustained protein production. Led by @ Daniel Siegwart, co-founder of ReCode therapeutics, the team (supported by @NIBIB and @NCI) recently showed promising results in treating conditions like psoriasis and cancer with fewer injections and longer-lasting effects. Their work, published in December, is actively promoted across news platforms.

B. RGX-314, a gene therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), aims to provide sustained suppression of VEGF-A. This treatment significantly reduces the frequency of anti-VEGF-A injections needed, addressing the undertreatment issue and helping maintain vision over a more extended period. Their COI Statement could read as a badge of honor!

C. Engineered biotherapeutics represent another frontier in sustained delivery, where therapeutic proteins are designed for long-lasting effects. You can read more about engineered biotherapeutics in my recent article.

Impacts

Patient Impact:

Improved Compliance: Fewer doses mean better adherence to treatment regimens, leading to more consistent and effective care.

Quality of Life: Sustained therapies reduce the burden of frequent medical visits and injections, significantly enhancing the patient experience.

Biopharma Impact:

R&D Operations: Enhanced focus on developing delivery mechanisms that ensure long-term efficacy, reducing the need for frequent dosing schedules.

Data Science: Advanced analytics are required to manage and interpret the extensive longitudinal data generated by these treatments, optimizing monitoring and outcomes.

Venture/Investor Impact:

Increased Investment: Technologies that promise less frequent dosing and sustained therapeutic effects attract investors, driving significant capital into these innovations.

Valuation Models: New valuation models must consider these advanced delivery systems’ long-term benefits and cost savings.

Stay tuned for more updates on these revolutionary advancements in biopharma! 🚀🌍