Archives by Year: 2023
Knee pain is a common issue for adults because it is caused by general stress from normal daily activities. In fact, around 25% of U.S. adults experience knee pain, and many of them require treatment to make day-to-day activities easier.
Long-acting injectables are able to target specific anatomical areas like eyes, ears, knees, and other spots to relieve pain and reduce systemic exposure. This means they are capable of providing a means of comfort for patients experiencing problems like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis. Learn more about the benefits of extended-release drugs for knee pain and how you can help patients by manufacturing them.
Benefits of Using Extended-Release Drugs for Knee Pain
Extended-release drugs and long-acting injectables for knee pain are designed to release the active ingredient over time. These medications encourage the maintenance of the therapeutic levels in the body for an extended time period and provide prolonged pain relief. The outcome of prolonged pain relief is less frequent dosages and happier patients.
Other benefits of using these types of medication include:
- Reduced side effects – Extended-release drugs encourage lower overall doses when compared to the immediate-release competition. This can lead to fewer side effects, as the patient will be exposed to a lower peak concentration of the drug.
- Improved patient adherence – Since these types of drugs require less frequent doses, patients are more likely to adhere to their prescribed regimen. This can lead to better pain management outcomes, making them the go-to choice for more patients.
- Minimized fluctuations in pain levels – When patients are given immediate-release formulations they may experience highs and lows from the drug concentration that leave them with fluctuations in the extremity of their knee pain. Using extended-release medications for knee pain limits this issue by providing a consistent and controlled release.
Types of Extended-Release Drugs for Knee Pain
There are currently two main types of extended-release injectable drugs for knee pain. The type that is administered will depend on the patient’s problem, pre-existing health conditions, and more.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections reduce pain and inflammation in the knee joint, thanks to their powerful anti-inflammatory agents. These synthetic drugs mimic the effects of natural hormones produced by adrenal glands. The relief is often found quickly, with many patients experiencing reduced pain in just a few days. The relief should last around three to four months, depending on the patient and the severity of their condition.
A prominent example of a corticosteroid long-acting injectable for knee pain is inserting Triamcinolone LAI in the knee. Another common type is ZILRETTA®.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Another type of long-acting injectable drug for knee pain is hyaluronic acid injections. Known for their ability to replenish knee lining and reduce friction on the joints, hyaluronic acid injections are an extremely effective treatment for those fighting osteoarthritis. These injections also protect the cartilage and bone from further damage, relieving pain effectively. While they may not have the longevity of a typical long-acting injectable drug for knee pain, they will provide patient relief for between two and six months.
Hyaluronic knee injections currently on the market include Durolane, Euflexxa, Hyalgan, Monovisc, and more.
Using Best Practices When Manufacturing Long-Acting Injectables for Knee Pain
Adhering to best practices when producing long-acting injectable drugs for knee pain is essential, and it’s something the team at Oakwood Labs is committed to. Doing so assures your patients that the solution was created using rigorous processes and that the medication is safe.
Let’s discuss some of the best practices for creating extended-release drugs for knee pain and how Oakwood Labs can provide.
- Conduct clinical research and development – The process starts with conducting pre-clinical studies to assess feasibility, safety, and efficacy. Then, it is time to study the population to create the intended patient demographic, as well as execute clinical trials to ensure that the solution is relevant to the problem and population.
- Create optimal formula – The next step is to research and develop a formulation that will provide sustained and effective pain relief without complications or introducing new side effects. Be sure to check this over time and ensure that the extended-release drug for knee pain will continue to provide the most benefits to the patient.
- Determine dosing and administration – Based on clinical research results, you will want to determine an appropriate dosage and administration schedule. Then, create clear and concise instructions for proper administration for patient safety and reduced risk.
- Assess safety – Once you develop the proper instructions for administering the long-acting injectable for knee pain, it is important to conduct comprehensive safety assessments that define adverse effects, drug interactions, and any risks. Then, be sure to monitor unexpected side effects during post-marketing surveillance.
- Provide education and training – Collect comprehensive educational materials that healthcare professionals and patients can look at to ensure the best understanding of the long-acting injectable for knee pain as well as any side effects.
- Adhere to ethics – Ethics are a priority in pharmaceutical manufacturing, covering everything from reporting results to ensuring equal access. Be sure to adhere to ethical standards in all aspects of development.
- Choose a GMP manufacturer – Oakwood Labs operates in an FDA-approved cGMP manufacturing facility that is capable of conducting Phase I, II, and III clinical materials, delivering commercial products, and more. We also have decades of industry experience, making us the ideal destination for manufacturing long-acting injectables for knee pain. As your partner, we can offer short lead times, robust systems, CMC development capabilities, and so much more.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you are interested in manufacturing extended-release drugs for knee pain, Oakwood Labs would be happy to partner with you.
When it comes to drug creation and formulation, ensuring that both the creator and the property are protected is key. That is why it is important to understand what your intellectual property rights are, and how to defend them even after FDA review and distribution.
With that in mind, check out our informational guide on intellectual property protection, and how it applies to the pharmaceutical industry.
An Overview of Intellectual Property Protection
Intellectual property protection was established to legally safeguard ideas and inventions of the mind. This includes original pieces of work, such as artistic creations, symbols, names, manufacturing processes, pharmaceutical formulas, and beyond.
Intellectual property also comes in various forms depending on the medium of the work. The main types that you should be familiar with relate to the following:
- Patents
- Data exclusivity
- Trade secrets
- Copyright
- Trademarks
- Regulatory exclusivity
Why Is Intellectual Property Protection Vital in the Pharmaceutical Industry?
The protection of intellectual property in the pharmaceutical industry allows pharmaceutical creators to benefit fiscally from both idea fabrication and product manufacturing. Additionally, some of the reasons that intellectual property is legally protected and closely monitored include the following:
- Promotes continuous innovation – Since patents and other intellectual property types provide outside investors with the motive to put money into the research phase of drug creation, pharmaceutical scientists can continually work on evolving existing developments. Along with manufacturing and distributing current drugs, scientists can also create new drugs and start desired projects while knowing that their progression is being fully supported financially.
- Increases economic growth – Due to the ongoing process and competition that comes with bringing new drugs to the market, the creation of pharmaceuticals can produce further economic opportunities, such as generating new jobs and boosting overall exports on a global scale.
- Prevents misuse and confusion – With intellectual property protection, the rights to the formula and branding of a product belong solely to the company or individual who created it. That means consumers will know exactly who and where the product has come from, as well as what the intention of the specific product is. This will avoid misuse of the product itself, as well as confusion about the specifications of the product.
Overall, the protection of intellectual property increases innovative initiatives for companies looking to cultivate and expand upon drug development ideas and procedures. Alongside the developmental period for pharmaceuticals, intellectual property measures also legally protect creators from property infringement by competitors, ultimately boosting the production, distribution, and consumption of necessary medications.
A Brief History of Pharmaceutical Intellectual Property Protection
When it comes to protecting the creation of new drugs, applications, and research, intellectual property protection is crucial. The origins of intellectual property are not new ideas either, as the first instances of intellectual property disputes and one-year patent statements date back as far as 500 B.C.E.
In the modern era, there have been numerous cases that have shaped how we navigate property ownership and distribution. Alongside those cases, here are just some of the notable historical events that have progressed intellectual property rights:
- 1928 – Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. This discovery marked the beginning of the antibiotic age, which lasted until around 1970, with 1940 to the early 1960s being considered the true golden age of the antibiotic era. During this time as well, product patents for drugs became more prevalent as growth and expansion prospered, though global drug patents were first introduced for the pharmaceutical industry in the late 17th century.
- 1984 – The Hatch-Waxman Act was established in the United States, laying the foundation both legally and economically for the U.S.’s generic pharmaceutical industry. And as more countries, such as Canada, began to recognize the importance of drug patents as well, multinational corporations (MNCs) within the pharmaceutical industry started to advocate on a global level for stronger intellectual property protection and patent laws for their products.
- 1994 – The TRIPS Agreement was established in this year and set minimum enforceable standards for various forms of intellectual property across numerous industries. For the pharmaceutical industry, it required countries part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to make patents available for any products or processes without discrimination, completely replacing the “process patent” system that was in place at the time.
- 2000 onward – Patent thickets, evergreening, and consolidation practices become highly common in the pharmaceutical industry. Also during this time, we saw large lobbying efforts in the United States to try to prevent price controls from stopping skyrocketing prices on necessary drugs. This includes key bills, such as The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
FAQs – Additional Aspects to Consider
For more of an in-depth look at intellectual property protection and how to navigate the main types, check out the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions.
How long do patents last on new drugs?
As of this writing, patents last 20 years from the filing date listed on the patent application. Once a drug patent expires, manufacturers other than the original developer have the freedom to produce generic versions of the product. These drugs are usually clinically equivalent to the original.
Can generic drugs have the same trade name as the original drug?
No. Though the chemical composition may be almost exactly alike, trademarks protect the original brand name, and generic brands must accommodate these regulations to avoid consumer confusion.
Does intellectual property protection increase drug prices?
Yes, it can potentially lead to an increase in drug prices. This is because patent exclusivity both delays cheaper versions of a drug from being made, as well as allows drug companies to have complete control over the pricing of their products.
How are manufacturing processes and drug formulas protected today?
One of the key ways drug formulas and their processes are protected is via trade secrets, which provide companies with a competitive advantage. These secrets do not need to be registered and can be protected for an unlimited amount of time, though there are some conditions for protection, including the following:
- The information must not be known to the general public
- The formula or process must have commercial value to be secret
- Reasonable steps must be taken by the information holder to keep it secret
Contact Oakwood Labs Today to Learn More
Have any additional questions? If so, reach out to our team at Oakwood Labs today. We look forward to answering your questions or discussing our services with you.
Parenteral drug administration is the delivery of medications or other substances through routes other than the digestive tract. The medication goes directly through the body while bypassing the gastrointestinal system, allowing rapid absorption into the bloodstream.
This form of treatment is used when immediate therapeutic effects are necessary, the patient is unable to take oral medication, or the medication is not offered in an oral form. Read on for insights about parenteral administration and the process for manufacturing drugs that use the application method.
Enteral vs. Parenteral Drug Administration
Enteral and parenteral are two common routes for administering medications and treatments to patients.
Parenteral drug administration delivers nutrients directly into the body without the digestive system through injections or infusions. It is used when there is a need for immediate therapeutic effects or when oral administration is not feasible. This method requires specialized training and equipment to ensure safe administration. Risk of infection or other complications may occur if it is not performed correctly.
Another method of drug administration is enteral. It delivers medications or nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract by way of oral administration or a feeding tube. This means that the digestive system must be fully functioning in order to absorb the medications or nutrients. Since it is the natural route for nutrient absorption, it is generally considered safer than parenteral drug administration. However, the absorption may be influenced by factors like gastric emptying, gastrointestinal mobility, other drugs, and even food. Additionally, the patient must be able to accept oral drugs.
Overall, parenteral administration is used when there needs to be immediate relief or a bypass of the digestive system, while enteral administration is employed when the digestive tract is functioning and able to absorb nutrients and medications. Therefore, when choosing whether to manufacture enteral or parenteral drugs, it is essential to fully understand the needs of your targeted demographic of patients to make an informed decision.
The Benefits of Parenteral Drug Administration
One of the main benefits of parenteral drugs is the fact that they offer very precise dosages. This is because the drugs are administered directly to the site for treatment, which means their absorption rate is greater than if they were to pass through the metabolism first.
Other benefits of parenteral drugs for patients who need a variety of therapeutical treatments include:
- Rapid action – Parenteral drug administration medications can be directed into the bloodstream, which results in a rapid delivery of the drug. They are absorbed quicker than medications with oral administration, resulting in immediate therapeutic effects that are extremely useful where quick relief is necessary.
- Predictable absorption – Parenteral drug absorption tends to be more predictable than oral administration, which is important for medications with small therapeutic windows.
- Reduced gastrointestinal irritation – Some drugs can cause irritation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract, which can cause a lot of discomfort to the patient. Parenteral administration doesn’t involve the digestive system which reduces these complications.
- Avoidance of first-pass metabolism – Drugs administered orally must pass through the liver before they can reach the targeted spot. When the drug is metabolized, its effectiveness can be reduced because less of the drug travels into the systemic circulation. However, parenteral administration bypasses this metabolization which can result in a greater proportion of the drug meeting the intended site.
Another benefit of parenteral administration is the improved patient compliance. Patients who experience side effects of oral medications and opt for parenteral drug administration could experience less discomfort when going through treatment. This means reduced nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, which can result in better adherence to therapy plans.
Methods of Parenteral Administration
There are many ways to administer parenteral drugs. Some are more popular than others, but the method highly depends on the needs of the patient.
Some of the most common methods of parenteral drug administration include:
- Intravenous – Delivered directly into the vein, which is the fastest and most direct route
- Intramuscular – Injected into a muscle, which allows for absorption over a longer period of time when compared to an IV
- Subcutaneous – Injected into the fatty tissue beneath the skin which is beneficial for medications that require slower and sustained absorption
However, the list does not stop here. Other administration methods include:
- Intraosseous – Delivered directly into bone marrow, which is common for emergency situations where IV access is limited or difficult
- Intradermal – Injected into the dermal layer of the skin, which is used for some allergy testing and certain vaccinations
- Intracardiac – Directed toward the heart which is useful for cardiac resuscitation procedures
- Intra-articular – Injected into a joint space which is commonly used to treat inflammatory joint conditions
While there are many avenues for parenteral administration, not all drugs can be delivered this way. While many of them can, there are certain exceptions for select medications, and some drugs have specific requirements or restrictions for parenteral drug administration. So, as a manufacturer, it is critical to develop clear instructions for delivery.
The Process of Manufacturing Parenteral Drugs
Since we manufacture pharmaceuticals, we wanted to touch upon the typical manufacturing process for parenteral drugs that ensures they are sterile and safe.
Here is a simple overview of the process:
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- Develop the formulation using active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and other components that will achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
- Create a sterile environment that is controlled. This typically involves the use of cleanrooms or isolators that are equipped with advanced air filtration or purification systems to ensure sterility.
- Weigh and mix the API, excipients, and the other components to ensure an even distribution.
- Sterilize the mixture to remove microorganisms. This step is crucial since the parenteral drugs are administered directly into the body. Sterilization can be done through filtration, autoclaving, or aseptic processing.
- Fill the sterile drug formulation into appropriate containers like vials and pre-filled syringes. This should be done under aseptic conditions to prevent any contamination. Then, the containers are sealed in a way that maintains the sterility of the drug.
- Label and package the formulation with information about the drug.
- Test samples from each batch to check the potency, purity, sterility, endotoxin levels, and more.
- Check the stability of the formulation to see the drug’s quality and efficacy over time.
- Submit applicable drug information to the FDA to ensure that it is ready for parenteral administration in hospitals, doctors’ offices, and more.
After this process is concluded, it is time for the drug to be shipped off so that it can be used in parenteral administration for patients.
Oakwood Labs Is Your Destination for Manufacturing Parenteral Drugs
It is any manufacturer’s job to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product safety and quality. We’re committed to doing so, and since our founding in 1997, Oakwood Labs has grown to become one of the prominent manufacturers of sustained-release parenteral products. We operate in an FDA-approved, aseptic facility, meaning we are ready to tackle your next manufacturing project.
Through our patented Chroniject™ and contract manufacturing services, we can help you treat more patients with the use of parenteral drug administration.
Contact Us Today for More Information
For more information on parenteral drug administration and its manufacturing processes, be sure to contact Oakwood Labs.
Biologics are drugs produced using a living system, like microorganisms, plant cells, or animal cells. The particles used in biologics are made through complex processes and are at the center of a variety of products like vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, gene therapies, and beyond.
Biologics are reinventing the way we view the pharmaceutical landscape because they are innovative solutions that provide therapeutic benefits to patients with a wide range of diseases and conditions. Learn more about this fascinating technology and discover how it is being used to help provide relief to a variety of patients in our post.
The Origin of Biologics in Pharmaceuticals
The first use of biologics in medicine traces back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Emil von Behring was the first to make the discovery while working on a serum therapy for diphtheria. However, it was Paul Ehrlich’s work on the “magic bullet” that started the movement for the use of biologics in targeted drug delivery. Together, the work of von Behring and Ehrlich led to the development of vaccines that worked against infectious diseases, marking the earliest successes of biologics in medicine.
It is safe to say that a lot has evolved since the discovery of biologics in medicine, and regulation has played a key role. The use of biologics in medicine started to be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) in the early 2000s. These organizations set specific guidelines in place to ensure any produced drugs are safe and transparency is maintained for patients.
Regulating Biological Medicine
The FDA and EMA oversee the approval for regulation of biological products. The approval process is rigorous to help ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of each product released to the public. For this to happen, each biological medicine goes through both clinical and preclinical testing. The clinical trials include three phases of testing.
Once a biological drug is approved for use on the market, agencies continue to monitor the safety of it through surveillance programs. Adverse and other side effects are reported and evaluated. Products will be taken off the market if serious safety concerns arise. Additionally, there are thorough investigations conducted specifically for the use of biologics in the pediatric and geriatric populations.
Lastly, there are strict quality control measures in place to ensure consistency throughout the manufacturing process. Biologicals must be manufactured in a GMP facility. Additionally, there must be a label on the drug that describes product information like dosing, administration, potential side effects, and contraindications. Together, these factors work together to keep patients safe while encouraging the evolution of treatment for appropriate populations.
Using Biologicals in Pharmaceuticals to Provide Therapeutic Benefits to Patients
Following their discoveries, von Behring and Ehrlich truly started a movement when they began using biologicals in pharmaceuticals. Since these two found success back in the early 19th and 20th centuries, a variety of other discoveries have been made.
Here are some other astonishing biologic discoveries that have shifted the way that patients are treated:
- Recombinant DNA technology used the genetic engineering of bacteria to produce human proteins like the insulin growth hormone and revolutionized diabetes treatment
- Monoclonal antibodies were discovered, opening up new opportunities to prevent organ transplant rejection
- Growth hormones were developed to help children who had growth disorders
- Cytokines were understood on a deeper level which resulted in therapeutic treatment for immune disorders like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, Cohn’s Disease, and more
- Gene therapies like Kynriah can be used to treat certain types of cancer
- mRNA can be used in vaccine technology, such as with the COVID-19 vaccine
Combining Biological Medicine with Sustained Release Technology
Since Oakwood Labs uses sustained-release technology, it would be amiss to not look at biologics for this form of therapy. Biologics can be modified to achieve specific release patterns that enable controlled and sustained drug delivery in patients. This leads to reduced dosing and better therapeutic benefits for patients who need it.
Here are the main methods that incorporate the use of biologicals with sustained-release technology:
- Microspheres/nanoparticles – Biologics can be encapsulated within microspheres and nanoparticles that are made out of biocompatible materials. Then, these particles can be engineered to release the biologic over an extended period of time. The encapsulation is helpful for protecting the biologic from degradation and can be used to enhance stability.
- Implants – Biologic medicine can be encapsulated within implantable devices like biodegradable scaffolds. As the scaffold breaks down, it will slowly release the biologic which is useful for localized and long-lasting treatments.
- Hydrogels – Hydrogels are water-absorbing polymers that hold water and biologics. Gels can be designed to have sustained release qualities to maintain a consistent concentration of the therapeutic agent for extended periods of time.
- Fusion proteins – Engineering fusion proteins is done by combining a biologic with a carrier protein. The carrier protein helps extend the half-life of the biologic which creates a sustained release effect.
Benefits of Incorporating Biologics into Medicine
Using biologics in medicine has proven its success in countless ways across the industry. Biologics can benefit each patient in different ways, and this depends on what they are being treated for.
Here are just a few of the properties that biologics possess and why they are trusted to form new treatments:
- Targetable – Biologics can be targeted to reach specific molecules, cells, or even pathways, which encourages precise treatment while simultaneously reducing the risk of attacking healthy cells or tissues.
- Diverse – Effective therapeutic outcomes can be achieved for a wider audience since biologics can be personalized with a patient’s unique genetic makeup in mind.
- Innovative – Thanks to advancements in technology, biologics are used to treat diseases that were previously difficult to target with small-molecule drugs. Examples include autoimmune disorders, certain types of cancer, and rare genetic diseases.
Biologics in Pharmaceuticals vs. Small Molecule Drugs
From their composition to their manufacturing processes, there are a variety of ways that biologics differ from traditional small-molecule drugs.
- Composition – Biologics are large, complex molecules that are derived from living organisms. They are produced using biotechnical processes. Small-molecule drugs are chemically synthesized with a smaller-sized molecule. They have a defined number of atoms.
- Action course – Biologicals have highly specific mechanisms of action that allow them to target specific cells, proteins, and receptors. This makes them especially useful in precision medicine and targeted therapy treatments. However, small-molecule drugs have a tendency to interact with a wide range of molecules due to their small size and structure.
- Stability – Since biologics are sensitive to environmental factors like temperature and pH, their stability and shelf life are often shorter than those of small-molecule drugs.
Contact Us Today for More Information
Biologicals are at the forefront of biomedical research. With time, we can expect them to offer effective treatments for a variety of medical illnesses and conditions that have formerly been difficult to treat.
If you have any questions about biological medicines or the future of their impact in the world of pharmaceuticals, be sure to reach out to our team.
Oakwood Labs is proud to announce that we will be at the 2023 Controlled Release Society 2023 annual meeting and expo, July 24-28, 2023. The theme this year is “The Future of Delivery Science,” which focuses on the next generation of scientists and progressive research that is being conducted around the world.
Find Us at Booth 304
As a global leader in sustained-release drug delivery, Oakwood Labs is able to solve changes related to developing and manufacturing pharmaceutical injectables. We pride ourselves on being transparent with our clients throughout the whole process and offering our expertise. If you’re looking for state-of-the-art technology, personnel, and equipment, you’ll want to check out Oakwood Labs at booth #304.
We can help you with the following:
- Clinical trial manufacturing (Phase I, II, III)
- Feasibility studies
- Pre-formulation development activities
- Commercial aseptic GMB manufacturing
- Scale-up of formulation
- Manufacturing toxicology batches
- ICH compliant stability testing
Contact Us for More Information
The CRS 2023 conference covers a wide range of topics, and we are happy to contribute to the event! If you aren’t able to attend, but still want to learn more about Oakwood Labs or what you missed at the conference, contact us today!
We look forward to discussing our technology and more.
Amino acids have proven their capabilities in the pharmaceutical industry in a variety of ways. They can be used alone as nutritional supplements, synthesized to help form other products, or even built into drug delivery systems.
Since Oakwood Labs focuses on drug formulation, we wanted to explain the role of amino acids in pharmaceuticals, specifically addressing how they impact sustained-release injectables and provide therapeutic benefits to patients.
How Amino Acids Benefit Your Pharmaceutical Projects
Amino acids are used in the development and function of sustained-release injectables and pharmaceuticals because they help with matrix formulation, suspension, drug diffusion, and biocompatibility.
Different amino acids and combinations can be deployed to achieve specific therapeutic goals. With this in mind, the amino acids used will depend on factors like the drug that is being delivered, the intended release kinetics, and the compatibility of the overall formation.
Using amino acids in pharmaceuticals like sustained-release injectables assist with the following:
- Matrix formulation – The use of amino acids in sustained-release injectables can help form a matrix that is modified to perform long-acting therapy for the patient. The matrix encapsulates the active drug and helps control the rate at which it is released, making it ideal for less frequent doses and better patient compliance.
- Solubility – Solubility is needed in drug formulations because it leads to effective absorption. By enhancing the solubility of certain drugs, amino acids better maintain the composition of the drug and promote absorption into the body.
- Stability – Along with solubility, amino acids also protect the drug from degradation throughout the process of storage and release. Stabilization additionally helps increase drug effectiveness, especially when dealing with sustained-release applications.
- Modulation – Using amino acids in a sustained-release application can adjust the overall drug output to meet the demands of the patient. This means amino acids are capable of altering the diffusion characteristics of the drug being used within the formulation to better meet a patient’s therapeutic objectives.
- Biocompatibility – Amino acids used in pharmaceutical applications like sustained-release injectables can promote biocompatibility for medical applications. Biocompatibility means that the injectable will not interfere with any of the other cellular functions or compromise the patient’s wellness, and it is important because it increases safety, long-term tolerability, and regulatory compliance.
Benefits of Using Sustained-Release Pharmaceuticals
Sustained-release injectables and pharmaceuticals have gained popularity in recent years due to their variety of benefits. Since the drug remains active in the bloodstream over a period of time, sustained-release dosages offer prolonged therapeutic effects. This helps improve patient compliance and reduce the frequency of dosing.
Other advantages of sustained-release dosages include:
- Prolonged action of the medicaments
- Control over drug therapy
- Ability to modify the extent and rate of drug absorption
- Delivering API directly to the desired location
- Decreasing total amount of a drug, reducing local side effects
- Ability to modify the extent and rate of drug absorption
Work with Oakwood Labs on Your Next Project
If you are looking to incorporate amino acids into your pharmaceuticals, be sure to request help from the team at Oakwood Labs. We are a leading manufacturer of sustained-release pharmaceuticals and will work with you throughout the creation process. This includes proof of concept, feasibility studies, clinical trials, and finally the production of an FDA-approved commercial supply.
Additionally, our team has over 20 years of experience, which makes us a trusted and effective partner for global pharmaceutical firms of all sizes. See how we can incorporate amino acids into your sustained-release pharmaceuticals and beyond today.
Learn More About Using Amino Acids in Pharmaceuticals
The team at Oakwood Labs is ready to help you achieve high-quality results in your next project. Our quality assurance and validation practices will deliver the best solutions, regardless of the formulation needed.
For more information on using amino acids in sustained-release pharmaceuticals, be sure to contact us today.
In the pharmaceutical field, molecules are often a major topic since they play a key part in research and development. Small and large molecules each have their place, but small molecules are particularly significant in drug development since their size allows for easy passage through the gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits of Small Molecule Injectables
Small molecule pharmaceuticals are low molecular weight compounds that can be administered in a variety of ways, including via intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), or subcutaneous (SC) injections. In addition to offering various ways to inject medicine, small molecule injectables also provide benefits such as:
- Rapid onset of action – Small molecules are able to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, allowing them to provide needed assistance in emergency situations.
- Targeted delivery – These injectables can be formulated to target certain cells, increasing efficacy and reducing the potential for systemic side effects.
- High bioavailability – Small molecule injectables often can display high bioavailability, meaning a portion of the injected dose reaches the target organs or tissues. This ultimately reduces the need for higher doses, leads to lower costs, and can produce fewer side effects.
- Flexible dosing – By using injectables, more control over the dosage is possible. This allows for treatments to be adjusted based on patient needs.
- Stability and shelf life – Small molecule pharmaceuticals usually have a longer shelf life compared to other complex drug formulations. This is important when it comes to the storage and distribution of drugs.
- Potential for self-administration – These injectables can provide greater independence for patients, as some can be designed for self-administration.
- Improved patience compliance – In the event that a patient has trouble taking oral medication, these small molecule injectables provide a great alternative.
How Small Molecule Pharmaceuticals Play a Key Role in Medicine
With their ability to target specific areas in the body and provide therapeutic benefits, small molecule injectables have become a vital part of drug development and can be used for a variety of roles, such as in:
- Pharmacokinetic studies
- Post-marketing surveillance
- Clinical trials
- Regulatory approval
- Preclinical studies
- Formulation development
- High-throughput screenings
- Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies
- Lead compound identification
- Target identification or validation
Small molecules have helped transform a wide range of medical conditions, making them an essential tool in the drug development process.
Where Oakwood Labs Steps In
Oakwood Labs has been an effective partner for a variety of pharmaceutical firms of diverse sizes. We pride ourselves on providing transparent communication, achieving milestones within set deadlines, and offering our expertise throughout the entire drug development process.
We have over 20 years of experience in developing sustained-release injectable pharmaceutical products, including small molecule injectables. Our team can help you if you are in the early development stages or are looking to scale up an existing formulation.
With state-of-the-art technology and dedicated personnel, we can help you solve all of your challenges, and our facilities are adept at handling small molecule injection manufacturing and more.
Our cGMP manufacturing facility is FDA-approved and was created to enhance our partnering and development capabilities. Features of our facility include:
- Aseptic filling
- In-house QC microbiology and QC chemistry
- Inspecting, labeling, and packaging
- Aseptic formulation
- Compact and portable equipment train
- Non-aseptic formulation
- Raw material dispensing and weighing
- Vial capping
- Shipping, receiving and warehouse space
- Aseptic lyophilization
By working with us, you can expect benefits such as short lead times, robust quality systems, and CMC development capabilities for a wide selection of products.
Contact Oakwood Labs About Small Molecule Injection Manufacturing
If you’re interested in learning more about small molecule injection manufacturing, contact our team today at Oakwood Labs. We are committed to developing products that provide therapeutic benefits to patients and excellent returns to our partners.
As you know, Oakwood Labs is a global leader in sustained release injectable pharmaceuticals. One of the key components of these drugs are microparticles, which are delivery systems for water-insoluble and sparingly water-soluble agents. Microparticles are split into microspheres and microcapsules.
Both of these play an important role in the pharmaceutical development process at Oakwood Labs. Learn more about microspheres vs. microcapsules.
What Are Microspheres?
Microspheres are small spherical particles that have a solid outer casing, are hollow, and do not contain fluid inside. These particles are made out of polymers and are used in drug delivery applications due to the high surface area, but low particle size. Their size ranges from 1 μm to 1 mm, making them effective for traveling within different areas throughout the body, which helps increase absorption rate and bioavailability.
Microspheres can be delivered through oral, parenteral, nasal, ophthalmic, and transdermal methods. They attach to proteins, peptides, antibodies, antigens and other small molecules to travel through the body and release at controlled rates.
Using microspheres in drug delivery has many benefits including release rates are tailored to specific applications (constant rate of delivery or rapid release), an increase in patient comfort and compliance by reducing the dosing frequency, and more.
What Are Microcapsules?
A microcapsule is also a small spherical particle, but its size is a little different, being 50 nm to 2 mm. The structure of a microcapsule is that of a membrane-enclosed core with a shell-like coating. Sometimes there are multiple cores within the coating. The core is composed of a drug constituent, stabilizers, or additives. The outside coating consists of an inert polymer, coloring agent, plasticizers, resins, waxes and lipids.
Microcapsules allow the core to be isolated from the outside environment and then released when desired. These microcapsules are used for sustained drug release, converting liquid drugs in a free-flowing powder, reducing toxicity and GI irritation, and for drugs that are sensitive to oxygen, moisture or light.
The Key Differences Between Microspheres and Microcapsules
The major difference between microspheres vs. microcapsules is the structure of the particle. As mentioned previously, microspheres have a solid casing and are hollow, while a microcapsule has a solid or liquid core in a shell-like coating.
The main reason for microencapsulation in pharmaceuticals is to protect drugs from environmental hazards like humidity, light, oxygen or heat. They also help controlled release within the patient and avoid too rapid of a release.
Microspheres are manufactured out of different types of polymers that when injected react within the patient to release a certain amount of the drug. While microspheres and microcapsules achieve similar goals for controlled drug release, their structures are what sets them apart.
Our Process for Manufacturing Microsphere Technology
At Oakwood Labs, our microsphere manufacturing capabilities have solved complex pharmaceutical industry challenges for more than 20 years. Our microsphere technology Chroniject™ is a patented, polymer-based injectable microsphere system for drug delivery. This technology is unmatched, and some of its major benefits include:
- Use of small-scale batches allow for rapidly developed formulations
- Formulations are easily scalable
- Process parameters are well-controlled
- Compatibility with peptides, small molecules, and proteins
- Excellent stability
- Flexible release durations ranging from one week to one year
Reach Out Today for More Information on Microcapsules and Microspheres
Our team is fully equipped and operates a staffed research and development facility specifically created to manufacture sustained release injectables. Oakwood Labs is committed to developing products to provide therapeutic benefits to patients.
If you are interested in learning more about microspheres vs. microcapsules for drug delivery, contact us at Oakwood Labs today.
The medical field is always searching for new opportunities to help treat patients, and one technique that provides various advantages is drug repositioning. This innovative technique involves exploring new medical uses for existing drugs.
At Oakwood Labs, we are a leader in the pharmaceutical industry, solving difficult challenges that arise from developing pharmaceutical injectables. Similar to the goals of drug repurposing, we strive to develop products that provide therapeutic benefits to patients and practical benefits to medical operations.
Utilizing Repurposed Drugs for Cancer
Focusing specifically on oncology and the effort to find new treatments, repurposed drugs for cancer have become an attractive option, with some non-cancer drugs being examined for their possible efficacy. Many unrelated diseases share common molecular traits, making repurposing possible. It also opens the door for different diseases to respond to the same drug.
Traditionally, bringing a new drug on the market would take 12 to 15 years and would require a large budget of 1 to 3 billion dollars. By choosing the approach of drug repositioning, you’ll reap benefits such as:
- Cutting costs surrounding research and development
- Reducing the timeline of development, because if the drug has already been safely administered to humans, you could skip Phase 1 of clinical trials
- Higher approval rates
- Comprehensive information is available on pharmacology dose, possible toxicity, and more
The Role of Drug Repositioning in the Greater Pharmaceutical Industry
Pharmaceutical companies continue to evolve, shaping the future of drug development by finding innovative solutions, such as drug repurposing. With many rare diseases in the world having few approved treatment options, repositioning of drugs has become an effective strategy.
Utilizing this strategy for such cases, facilities can minimize the knowledge gap that occurs when running a clinical trial. By understanding more about the drug, such as how it reacts in the body, organizations can also help speed up the process.
Since drugs are chemicals that change the biochemical pathways in our cells, it’s common for them to have an effect on more than one pathway. In drug repositioning, we can take advantage of those different effects to provide solutions to diverse medical conditions.
Oakwood Labs, a Leading Manufacturer in the Industry
With over twenty years of industry expertise, we have proven ourselves as an effective partner to global pharmaceutical firms of various sizes. Whether you are in the early development stage or are looking to scale up an existing formulation, we are ready to help.
Oakwood Labs strives to achieve milestones within set deadlines, provide transparent communication, adapt to change, and offer our expertise throughout the entire development process. We have everything you need, from support to our FDA-approved cGMP manufacturing facility, all to help enhance our development capabilities.
Our facility offers a variety of contract manufacturing services, including:
- Commercial products for use in humans or for veterinary use
- Phase I, Phase II, or Phase III clinical trial material
- Sterile liquids, sterile lyophilized parenteral, suspensions, microspheres, and others
- Small-volume injectables
- Class III and IV DEA controlled substances
- Vials with lyophilized or plug stoppers, with both 13 mm and 20 mm openings
Contact Our Team
At Oakwood Labs, we are ready to use our technology and expertise to tailor solutions to your project’s needs. If you’re interested in drug repurposing and would like to discuss options with us, contact our team today.
We are ready to support all phases of long-acting injectable development and help you with your next project.
Sustained-release injectables provide a solution for those that require long-term treatment, or in cases where patients can’t swallow tablets or capsules. Also, depending on the drug, certain tablets cannot be crushed, making injectables the preferred option as well.
Oakwood Labs focuses on long-acting injectable development since these medication delivery methods can reduce the number of injections needed, target specific anatomical areas, and help improve patient compliance. By choosing injectables over capsules, you’ll achieve the quality and efficacy you’re seeking.
What Are Sustained-Release Tablets?
Disadvantages of Choosing a Tablet Over an Injectable
While they do offer some benefits, there are distinct disadvantages to utilizing a sustained-release tablet instead of an injectable. Tablets have a higher risk of dosage issues, often known as dose dumping. This is when large amounts of a drug are quickly released, and a toxic quantity is introduced into systemic circulation. These capsules are also often quite large in size, which may cause issues in ingestion or transit through the digestive system.
Why Sustained-Release Injectables Are Beneficial
Sustained-release injectables are often the preferred method among clinical professionals due to the convenience and effectiveness they offer. While there are various types of injectables, depending on the medication they are utilized for the effects can last anywhere from two to twelve weeks with one dose. This provides a practical option for those having trouble taking medication on a daily basis.
By choosing injectables in place of sustained-release capsules, you will help improve the lives and routines of patients in the following ways:
- Safety – When administered by medical personnel, sustained-release injectables can help guarantee safety for your patients. Through regulated injections, you reduce the risk of accidental or deliberate overdose.
- Regularity – Patients who receive injectables need to show up for more appointments, creating regular interactions between them and their medical team. This results in a solid routine and an increase in social interactions.
- Stability – Sustained-release injectables help by treating patients with more stable plasma concentrations compared to oral medications. It also lessens the frequency of having peak plasma levels, which can result in lesser side effects for the patient. Also, for those prone to hospital visits, relapse frequency and rehospitalization rates are decreased.
- Reduced accountability – In order to see the best results with medications, it’s important for patients to take them every day. With long acting injectables, patients no longer need to keep track of daily dosing needs.
Choose Oakwood Labs as Your Source for Sustained-Release Pharmaceuticals
At Oakwood Labs, we understand how essential a partnership is when developing a sustained-release drug from concept to commercialization. With our state-of-the-art technology and personnel, we’ve been able to solve common challenges involved with developing sustained-release injectables such as formulation development, GMB manufacturing under rigorous quality systems, scaling up, and process controls.
As a specialty pharmaceutical company, we are here to help in development as well as scaling up an existing formulation. We support all phases of long-acting injectable (LAI) development, working with you through proof of concept to clinical trial material, all the way up to FDA-approved commercial supply.
By choosing Oakwood Labs as your effective partner, you’ll gain services and benefits such as:
- A strong focus on project management and communication
- Tailored release profile from weeks to one year
- Contract manufacturing services
- ChronijectTM, our patented injectable microsphere technology
- A track record of success for taking projects through every process stage
- Efficient and stringent process controls
- R&D formulation development
- Demonstrated lot-to-lot reproducibility with proven scale-up success
Contact Us to Learn More About Sustained-Release Injectables
Our special pharmaceutical company is ready to help ensure you meet your requirements and expectations for sustained-release injectables. If you’re wanting to learn more about how Oakwood Labs can provide solutions to your company, reach out to our team today.