Formulation and delivery solutions for the next generation biotherapeutics

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
• Drug Delivery
• Nanomedicine

Background:

• Biotherapeutics offer significant therapeutic potential but face challenges in administration and targeted delivery.
• Current drug delivery systems often result in suboptimal biodistribution and efficacy.
• Controlling the fate of biotherapeutics from injection to action is crucial for therapeutic success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce research group and highlight current/future projects in biotherapeutics delivery.
• To address challenges in formulating biotherapeutics into nanomedicines (NMs).
• To explore strategies for intracellular delivery of nucleic acids and protein therapeutics, and targeted delivery beyond the liver.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of biotherapeutics into nanomedicines (NMs).
• Investigating intracellular delivery mechanisms for nucleic acids and protein therapeutics.
• Developing targeted delivery strategies for biotherapeutics, aiming to bypass hepatic clearance.

Main Results:

• Research group established at Utrecht University focusing on pharmaceutical biotechnology and delivery.
• Exploration of nanomedicine formulations for enhanced biotherapeutic stability and targeting.
• Advancement in strategies for controlled intracellular delivery and non-hepatic targeting of biotherapeutics.

Conclusions:

• Future research will focus on controlling biotherapeutics' fate from injection to action.
• Developments in drug delivery and gene therapy will enable sustainable and cost-effective biotherapeutic dosing.
• Targeted delivery beyond the liver is a key area for improving biotherapeutic efficacy and reducing side effects.