Drug Delivery - Analysis of Cutting-Edge Technologies and Trends - Market Research

Drug Delivery - Analysis of Cutting-Edge Technologies and Trends
By: Frost and Sullivan
Price: $4,550.00
Publish Date: December 30, 2004
Pub ID: MC1087368
Patent expiration and the subsequent competitive pressure from generic manufacturers are compelling pharmaceutical companies to adopt innovative drug delivery techniques for enhancing the value of their blockbuster drugs. Improved drug delivery not only increases the safety, efficacy, and patient compliance but also enables the company to charge a premium for the enhancements in current products. They can then reduce the prices of the original drug to compete on a level footing with the lower priced generics. Numerous drug delivery companies are also developing their own drugs combined with innovative delivery platforms. This is expected to reduce dependency on major pharmaceutical companies for newer drugs and simultaneously augment market revenues.
This report analyzes developments in novel and emerging oral, parenteral, transdermal, and inhalation drug delivery technologies. In addition to evaluating research trends in key companies and universities across the globe, this study evaluates the important technology driversand challenges. Participants can use this research service to identify potential collaborators, stay ahead of the competition, and remain abreast of critical developments.
Minimally Invasive Drug Delivery Routes are the Key Area of Focus
Global research efforts are now focused on reducing the dosing frequency of drugs as well as administering the drugs through non-invasive routes. "The longer intervals are likely to ensure steady blood levels of the medication for improved treatment outcomes," explains the analyst of this research. "Moreover, patient comfort and compliance are greatly enhanced by longer intervals between administrations." For example, in the case of insulin, oral, nasal, and pulmonary routes have emerged as potential noninvasive alternatives to the conventional transdermal route to make daily insulin doses less cumbersome to diabetic patients.
Researchers are also developing a novel oral drug delivery system that uses a micropump and sensors for delivering the drug according to the body's temperature and pH balance. Since this device releases drugs at varying time intervals, it shows immense potential for treating terminal diseases such as cancer and AIDS that require a combination of several drugs at regular intervals.
Advancements in Biotechnology Necessitate Novel Drug Delivery Technologies
The increasing number of macromolecule drugs that have complex biopharmaceutical properties demand innovative drug delivery technologies, which can efficiently deliver the molecules to their target site.
"These drugs being larger in size demand more advanced delivery platforms for efficacy upon administration," notes the analyst. "Medicated powders pumped into the skin at supersonic speeds and implanted microchips that deliver precise dosages to nanomolecular transportation systems are emerging as potential drug delivery techniques for macromolecule drugs."