With the production and launch of new drugs happening all the time, attention is also very firmly focused on the delivery method of those substances to meet modern needs and requirements.
The world of technology never sits still for long, and nowhere is that more true than in the field of pharmaceuticals. With greater understanding of chronic conditions, and the focus on developing medicines that can help alleviate those conditions and their symptoms, the traditional delivery system of oral medication is not always fit for purpose.
Step forward nanomaterials with their unique properties that can allow for implants and patches that can manage a slow steady release of drugs into the bloodstream that is proving to be a much more effective method of delivery. With the advances in the development of the electrospinning machine research in this area is now easier than ever before and is now a key focus for investment and research as the capabilities of nanomaterials are becoming more and more apparent.
Electrospinning and electrospraying is versatile and easy to set up
The process of electrospinning or spraying in order to create nanomaterials from polymer melts and solutions is now more advanced than ever. The usability of such machines is now such that a research laboratory can be set up in a matter of months where the workforce already has some understanding of electrostatics and polymers. This means shorter lead times for getting production up and running, and upskilling the workforce is easy and quicker. All this serves to reduce costs to the business.
Creators of electrospinning machines are able to approach the implementation at a bespoke level, ensure the set up is right for the needs and intended outcomes of the research department. This can include adapting the machinery, which comes in different varieties from small ‘proof of concept’ machines to full production. The solution is now also fully scalable, and GMP and ISO certified for pharma-grade mass production, and there are many manufacturers leading the way in this.
The machines can use a huge variety of raw materials and natural polymers to achieve the desired output properties. From sub-micronized particles and fibers, true encapsulation, nano-in-micro particles and multi-layered core-shell structures and non-woven mesh it is possible to create powder or granules for oral (tablets, capsules, sachets), parenteral, nasal, pulmonar, ophthalmic, vaginal & topical applications and patches for transdermal, mucosal, buccal & sublingual applications.
The benefits of electrospinning production is huge
Using these methods to create pharmaceuticals has huge benefits. Firstly the process is highly versatile. Any solvent, excipient or API (including live cells) can be used in the creation of the solutions, suspensions and emulsions used in the process, and with no stress applied on the API this guarantees a product of the highest stability and quality, as materials are produced at a molecular level ensuring virtually no defects.
In a single step it is possible to produce a dry product with minimal moisture content and with excellent processability of final product. Dose uniformity is guaranteed, which is vital in the management of chronic conditions.
All this lends itself to maximum potency of the final product, which is all to the benefit of the end consumer. Release of the drug is controlled and optimized allowing for a faster onset of the effects on the body, yet also minimizes side effects especially when non-oral methods of distribution are used as often side effects are the result of the drug interacting with the digestive system.
Added to this the path to general release of a new drug can be made much easier. Of course there first needs to be the necessary data from the drug trials, but once that is available and the drug is prepared for release using certain platforms, then it makes it a lot easier to achieve market authorization. This will reduce costs of development, and there have been instances where it was possible to bring a new product to market in just one year, far quicker than you might normally expect.
