Weekly Pharma Manufacturing News Roundup — October 8, 2014

How To Save On Drug Packaging

Packaging World published a Q&A with Kevin O’Donnell, Senior Partner of Exelsius, discussing distribution practices for time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical/biological products. In particular, O’Donnell discusses the effect of regulatory requirements on packaging materials; what trend is the most important for cold chain products; how packagers can implement natural packaging solutions and still adhere to a product’s temperature sensitivities; and highlights 2 missteps pharma manufacturers make and how these problems can be resolved. In particular, O’Donnell argues in favor of re-evaluating the stability of drug products in order to save money on packaging and reduce waste. Education is also a need in the industry, especially as procedures grow increasingly complex.

Will Plant Vaccines Take Over Flu Vaccine Market?

According to a Reuters article, the influenza vaccine market is most likely be impacted the most by the rising interest in plant-based biopharmaceuticals — especially in instances of a pandemic. Analysts question that if plant-based vaccines are to catch on as expected, Big Pharma—which is still cautious about this technology — could possibly see its dominance in the flu-vaccine industry diminish. The article cites the CEO of Texas A&M Health Science Center, Brett Giroir, who argues that plants will be “the dominant vaccine-production system” within the next decade.  However, there are still significant hurdles in this process, including the need to prove through trials that the manufacturing process will result in a uniform, effective product.

Benefits Of Green Chemistry Technology

Following a recent CPhI report that predicts Green Chemistry will be worth $100 billion by 2020, Select Science posted an article discussing the 3 technologies Pharma can use to increase innovation and reduce manufacturing costs. These technologies include Catalysis systems, flow chemistry, and Parallel Screening.

“Needle Pill” Shows Promise For Antibody Delivery

MIT is currently at work developing a new drug capsule coated with tiny needles that distribute the drug into the lining of the stomach after ingestion. In animal studies, researchers discovered that insulin was more effectively delivered via the “needle pill” than it was when it was injected under the skin. However, besides insulin, the researchers believe this method of delivery could be particularly valuable for the delivery of antibodies — vaccines, recombinant DNA, and RNA.  These biologics are currently too large to be effective in pill form. Should the work on this formulation continue to go well, this could provide a new formulation option that could replace injectable vaccines.

The Future Of Biotherapeutic Manufacturing

An article in Life Science Leader addresses some of the industry trends that have affected the pharma industry over the past ten years and highlights some of the upcoming trends that hold promise for innovation in the future. According to AbbVie’s VP of development, Ralph Lambalot, monoclonal antibodies still hold great potential for innovation, along with other areas such as multispecific IgGs (immunoglobulin G) and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). The future of biotherapeutic manufacturing is going to be “flexible;” Lambalot says single-product manufacturing facilities are on their way out, and disposables will be key for encouraging both this flexibility and innovation.