Drug product development and case studies for patient centric pediatric protein-based therapeutics

Annette Medina1, Mary N Brown2, Emily Cox1

  • 1Dosage Form Design and Development, Biopharmaceutical Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA.

PubMed

Insights

Developing pediatric protein therapies requires a patient-centric approach, considering all users like patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This ensures optimal formulation, administration, and excipient selection for pediatric drug products.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • Pediatric Drug Development
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Pediatric drug development necessitates a holistic approach, recognizing diverse users beyond the patient.
  • Protein-based therapies present unique challenges in pediatric formulation and administration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline quality target product profile parameters for pediatric protein-based therapies.
  • To detail a patient-centric strategy for developing these therapies, considering all stakeholders.
  • To address formulation, administration routes, and excipient selection for pediatric use.

Main Methods:

  • Defining quality target product profile parameters.
  • Describing use environment, formulation design, and stability considerations.
  • Presenting an acceptability profile for parenteral administration routes in pediatric age groups.
  • Applying a risk assessment approach for excipient selection in pediatric biopharmaceuticals.

Main Results:

  • Illustrative case studies demonstrate the selection of drug product parameters (formulation, dose volume, route) tailored for pediatric users.
  • A comprehensive framework for patient-centric development of pediatric protein therapies is provided.

Conclusions:

  • A patient-centric approach is critical for successful pediatric protein therapy development.
  • Consideration of all users and specific pediatric needs is essential for optimizing drug product design and delivery.

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