Panel discussion: Futuristic formulation development and drug delivery technologies

The third edition of the FDD Conclave witnessed several interesting discussions on topics which are very pertinent to the professionals working in pharma formulation development arena. One such discussion was on ‘Futuristic formulation development and drug delivery technologies.’

The eminent panelists Dr Ramesh Jhawar, President, Ajanta Pharma; Dr Sajeev Chandran, Associate Director, Advanced Drug Delivery Systems Research, Pharmaceutical R&D, Lupin; Ulhas Dhuppad, President – R&D, Alkem Laboratories; Anil Kumar R, VP-Formulation Development, Strides Pharma Science enlightened the audience about the current trends in FR&D and spoke on technologies which will bring in a paradigm shift in this segment.

Highlighting several processes and systems which are revolutionising the FDD segment such as the role of continuous manufacturing process, 3D printing technologies, nanotechnology, etc; the panelists elaborated on how they are bringing in better drug release rates, greater accuracy, cost and time optimisation and better treatment outcomes. For instance, as continuous manufacturing processes gain more acceptance and usher in more efficiencies, the sector needs to start planning for them right from the formulation stage.

The discussions and deliberations on the advancements in this field also accentuated how the era of personalised medicine will demand renewed and re-imagined ways and methods of formulation development and drug delivery. For instance, the experts on this panel discussion pointed out how genetic data will help develop more customised and effective drug formulations. They said that gene therapy, personalised medicines are transforming the life sciences sector. Therefore AI and machine learning will play important roles in formulation development and drug delivery as well.

The panelists were emphatic that 3D printing is also revolutionising the life sciences sector. They predicted that with advancements in this sphere we might get solutions to even life threatening diseases such as HIV, cancer etc.

They pointed out that huge role that data will play in developing optimised solutions, and informed that patient safety and convenience will also be crucial factors that will drive trends in formulation development and drug delivery in future. For instance, lipid-based delivery technologies are really ushering better efficacies. Citing another example, they said that orally delivered peptides soon become a reality.

They urged life sciences firms to invest in new-age technologies to get future-ready and gain a competitive edge by developing improved formulations and drug delivery technologies.