Archives by Year: 2025
Nanoencapsulation is an expanding area of scientific research and development that impacts industries ranging from cosmetics to food production to pharmaceuticals. This area of nanoscience enables the controlled release of nutrients within the body for a specified location and duration, allowing nanoparticle drug delivery to supply a wealth of benefits.
The Oakwood Labs team is comprised of experts in developing long-acting injectables for diverse purposes, and that includes our work with nanoparticle encapsulation. Read on to learn about the benefits of nanoencapsulation in long-acting injectables and everything Oakwood Labs can provide.
About Nanoparticle Encapsulation
Encapsulation is the process of entrapping a material within another material, creating particles of variable sizes. These particles can be measured in millimeters, micrometers (denoted as microencapsulation), and nanometers (denoted as nanoencapsulation).
These particles are referred to as nanocarriers, or NCs, and they deliver an array of benefits for organizations, medical professionals, and patients alike.
Advantages of Encapsulation for Nanoparticles and Their Use in Long-Acting Injectables
Using nanoencapsulation in drug delivery can offer a range of benefits, including:
- Targeted delivery and bioavailability for patients suffering from a range of conditions
- Controlled release of medications that aid patients over longer periods
- Reduced systemic toxicity that can be associated with certain drugs due to efficient loading of drug molecules within nanocarriers
- Increased accumulation of a distributed drug at the distribution site of choice via targeted nanocarriers
- Increased efficacy of therapeutic agents and their targeting
- Prevention of premature degradation within the patient’s body and prolonged presence within blood and cells
- Nanocarriers of variable sizes can be created using distinct matrices, which can impact their effectiveness against biological barriers and their in vivo performance
- Reduced number of injections needed for a patient, which can make medication distribution easier and patients more compliant
- Prevention of drug abuse as excessive amounts of a drug will not need to be distributed to patients
The Oakwood Labs Chroniject™ Approach for Nanoencapsulation
Our long-acting injectable development at Oakwood Labs uses our technology platform Chroniject™, a patented polymer-based injectable microsphere system for nanoparticle drug delivery. This system allows us to:
- Provide drug release durations of 1 week to 1 year
- Distribute medications via 18- to 23-gauge needles
- Reconstitute products immediately via sterile water
- Provide proven drug stability and content uniformity
- Supply solutions free of foreign particulate matter
- Fulfill formulations aseptically and terminally sterilized if feasible
- Use microsphere-based, biodegradable polymers such as PLA, PLGA, and other polymers with demonstrated low toxicity, and sourced from multiple suppliers
Other Services from Oakwood Labs
At Oakwood Labs we’re industry leaders in sustained-release drug delivery, and that extends beyond our work in encapsulation for nanoparticles. We have over 25 years of experience in the field, and our team supplies full-service support, from initial feasibility studies to FDA-approved commercial supply.
We proudly offer a diverse array of services in the development and manufacturing of sustained-release products, including:
- Feasibility program
- Formulation optimization and scale-up
- Analytical and stability testing
- GMP aseptic manufacturing
- Contract manufacturing
Contact Us for Nanoencapsulation in Long-Acting Injectables
If your operations require nanoparticle encapsulation, the Oakwood Labs team is ready to assist. Contact us today to discuss your project.
Oakwood Labs is happy to announce that we will be exhibiting at Booth #2030 at the upcoming 2025 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) on May 4-7 in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you would like to learn more about the event and register to attend, please visit the following link: https://www.arvo.org/annual-meeting/
Company Overview
Oakwood Labs is a global leader in sustained release drug delivery. We support all phases of long acting injectable development from initial feasibility studies through FDA-approved clinical and commercial supply. Oakwood has 27 years of drug encapsulation experience using Chroniject™, our patented microsphere-based technology. Chroniject™ provides the ability to control particle size, customize release durations from weeks to years, and minimize residual solvents to achieve critical quality attributes.
Stop by Oakwood Lab’s Booth #2030 to meet our team and learn more about how we can assist in the following areas:
- Long Acting Injectable Technology (CDMO)
- Feasibility studies
- Scale-up of formulation
- Manufacturing toxicology batches
- Clinical trial manufacturing (Phase I, II, III)
- Contract Manufacturing (CMO)
- Technology Transfer
- GMP Registration and Validation batches
- Aseptic GMP commercial batch manufacturing
- ICH compliant stability testing
Contact Us for More Information
The ARVO 2025 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.
The pharmaceutical industry harbors a vast range of key facts and significant data that can be beneficial to individuals and companies in the field. With the pharmaceutical market on a continuous rise in terms of revenue, innovation, and research, it’s important to stay up to date on current trends.
That’s why our team has compiled a list of 40+ statistics for your review, so you can learn more about the thriving pharmaceutical sector.
General Pharmaceutical Industry Trends
- New modalities, like cell and gene therapy, have increased from 11% to 21% of the drug development pipeline (McKinsey & Company)
- Based on pharmaceutical sales, the top therapeutic areas in the pharma industry are antidiabetics, immunology, oncologics, HIV antivirals, and respiratory (Statista)
- Research and development spending reached more than 300 billion dollars in the United States in 2023 (Statista)
- In 2023, biotechnology contributed to 40% of global pharmaceutical sales (Statista)
- The process of developing a new drug costs around 2.6 billion dollars in the USA, with the drug taking an average of 15 years to develop (Statista)
- The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America trade group spends 21% of their revenue on research and development (Statista)
- PhRMA member companies spent 96 billion dollars in the USA on research and development in 2023 (Statista)
- In 2023, more than 5,500 pharmaceutical companies were conducting active research and development (Statista)
- More than 21,000 drugs were in the research and development phases in 2023 due to COVID-19 responses (Statista)
- Pfizer was the top U.S. company to develop new drugs in 2024 (Statista)
Statistics About the Pharmaceutical Market
- The total global pharmaceutical market in 2023 was estimated at around $1.6 trillion (Statistica)
- Compared to 2022, the total global pharmaceutical market increased by over 100 billion dollars in 2023 (Statistica)
- The United States accounts for nearly 40% of the world’s pharmaceutical market (National Library of Medicine)
- As of 2023, the top 5 largest pharmaceutical companies were Eli Lilly ($578.3B), Novo Nordisk ($452.8B), Johnson & Johnson ($377.7B), Merck ($263.9B), and AbbVie ($261.2B) (Visual Capitalist)
- Approximately $60 billion is spent collectively by the top 20 pharmaceutical companies each year for drug development (McKinsey & Company)
- The United States accounts for roughly 50% of global pharmaceutical sales revenue (PharmaNewsIntelligence)
- The pharmaceutical market in the United States is expected to surpass $1 trillion by the year 2030 (American Pharmaceutical Review)
- The biopharmaceutical market is expected to reach nearly $517 billion in 2024, and reach up to almost $762 billion by 2029 (Modor Intelligence)
- From 2024 to 2028, the pharmaceutical market is projected to experience an increased annual growth rate of 5.96% (Statistica)
- By 2027, the total global spending on medicine is projected to reach $1.92 trillion (Statistica)
- Currently, the United States is looking for an increased demand for personalized medicine and more targeted therapies (Statistica)
- In 2024, the United States gained more than 760 billion dollars in revenue from the pharmaceutical market (Statista)
- The United States accounted for 52% of global sales in the global pharmaceutical sector in 2024 (Statista)
A Career in the Pharmaceutical Industry: Noteworthy Statistics
- 56.8% of pharmacists in the United States are women and 43.2% of pharmacists are men (Zippia)
- Approximately 1.3 million people are employed in the pharmaceutical industry in the United States (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- The average age of a pharmacist is 41 years old (Zippia)
- 91% of graduated pharmacists are known to work in the private sector (NIH)
- The average salary of a pharmacist is $118,968 as of 2024 (Zippia)
- The highest paying state for pharmacists is California, where the average yearly salary is $161,597 (Zippia)
- For every dollar that a man makes as a pharmacist, a woman makes approximately 98¢ (Zippia)
- The employment for pharmacists is expected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- Over the decade, there is said to be 13,400 openings for pharmacists projected each year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- There has been a 20% increase in the demand for STEM-related jobs, making it difficult for the pharma industry to recruit technical talent (McKinsey & Company)
Statistics on Popular Prescription Drugs
- According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), out-of-pocket drug spending is projected to peak in 2023 at $52.5 billion (Peterson-KFF)
- As of July of 2023, 25% of adults who take prescription drugs report difficulty in affording their medication (Peterson-KFF)
- There are more than 32,000 generic drugs that are approved by the FDA as of 2022 (FDA)
- In the United States, 91% of prescriptions are filled as generic drugs (FDA)
- Nationwide, the total spending on prescription drugs increased from $30 billion in 1980 to $335 billion in 2018 (Congressional Budget Office)
- Though the top 10% of drugs by price account for less than 1% of all prescriptions, they make up 15% of the retail spending and anywhere from 20% to 25% of the nonretail spending (ASPE)
- In 2020, around 6.3 billion prescriptions were dispensed in the United States (Statistica)
Oakwood Labs: Innovator of Sustained Release Drugs for the Pharmaceutical Sector
As seen in these compelling pharma market insights, it’s clear that the pharmaceutical industry is continuing to expand and develop, providing great value for both patients and business alike. Oakwood Labs plays an important role in this growth as a leader in the design and development of sustained-release drugs.
By using Chroniject™ technology, we developed a process where small molecules, peptides, and proteins can be injected and released over weeks, months, or years. This technology supports innovative solutions and has contributed to the success of the pharma industry.
With over 25 years of experience, we’ve helped bring drugs to the pharmaceutical market that enhance patient care and greatly benefit organizations. We also work with a wide range of clients, supplying services such as:
- Analytical and stability testing
- GMP aseptic manufacturing
- Feasibility program
- Formulation optimization and scale-up
- Contract manufacturing
By staying up to date on current pharma market insights, Oakwood Labs can help deliver the pharmaceutical solutions you’re looking for.
Contact Oakwood Labs for More Information
Oakwood Labs is a global provider of sustained-release pharmaceuticals and other medical services. Please contact our team of experts today for more information about all we can provide, as we look forward to answering any inquiries you have.
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics play a crucial role in the treatment of schizophrenia, offering a sustained approach to medication delivery. Our team specializes in developing long-acting injectables for treating schizophrenia, working with a range of formulations to meet diverse client needs.
Read on to explore everything you need to know about using long-acting injectables to treat schizophrenia and the benefits of the process over oral antipsychotics.
What Are Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics?
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are medications that are used to treat a wide range of major depressive disorders. They are formulated to stay in the body for an extended period of time, allowing for sustained effects between doses.
The History of Long-Acting Injectables
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics have evolved significantly since the process’s introduction. The first LAIs introduced, including fluphenazine decanoate and haloperidol decanoate, did provide extended symptom control but were associated with a higher risk of motor side effects.
However, the LAI formulations used today have a lower risk of movement-related side effects and offer more choices for personalized treatment, allowing patients and providers to select the most suitable option based on individual needs.
How Long-Acting Injectables Work for Treating Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is associated with an overactive dopamine system, which leads to symptoms like hallucinations and delusions. Long-acting injectable psychotics help manage schizophrenia by:
- Regulating dopamine levels – This, in turn, reduces symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions
- Creating a sustained-release effect – The approach forms a depot at the injection site, allowing the medication to be gradually absorbed over time
Benefits of Long-Acting Injectables for Schizophrenia Over Oral Antipsychotics
Long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs have helped many individuals living with mental illness by providing:
- Improved adherence – Lowering the risk of missed medication and helping patients stay on track with treatment
- Lower risk of relapse – Ensuring continuous symptom control, reducing the likelihood of relapse due to skipped doses
- More consistent medication levels – Providing a steady dose over time, reducing the peaks and valleys associated with daily oral medication
- Less frequent dosing – Requiring administration only every few weeks or months, compared to oral antipsychotics that must be taken daily
Choosing the Right Long-Acting Injectable for Schizophrenia: A Guide to Available Formulations
There are many types of long-acting injectable antipsychotics to choose from that are designed to meet different patient needs. Some of the most commonly prescribed LAIs for schizophrenia include:
- Fluphenazine decanoate – One of the first generation LAIs, known for its extended symptom control
- Haloperidol decanoate – A long-standing option that is known to provide sustained symptom relief
- Risperidone microspheres – A second-generation LAI designed to maintain stable plasma concentrations
About the Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics from Oakwood Labs
Here at Oakwood Labs, we are a global leader in sustained-release drug delivery, specializing in diverse areas, including the development and manufacturing of long-acting injectable antipsychotics to treat schizophrenia. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we provide full-service support, from initial feasibility studies to FDA-approved commercial supply.
Using our patented Chroniject™ technology, we design LAIs with controlled release durations, minimizing fluctuations in medical levels for consistent symptom management. This technology allows for scalable production, ensuring reliable formulations from lab-scale development to commercial manufacturing.
By combining innovative drug encapsulation technology with a commitment to quality, we play a key role in advancing long-acting injectables for schizophrenia by:
- Customizing formulations to provide steady medication release
- Supporting all phases of drug development
- Offering aseptic manufacturing to ensure product quality and safety
FAQs on Long-Acting Injectables for Schizophrenia
Are there any recommendations for managing treatment with long-acting injectables for schizophrenia?
Yes! Some recommendations for managing treatment include:
- Keeping up with scheduled injection appointments to maintain symptom control
- Following a consistent daily routine, including sleep and meals
- Participating in therapy or support programs for additional treatment benefits
- Watching for side effects and reporting any concerns to your healthcare provider
- Avoiding alcohol and drug use to prevent interactions with your medicine
What are some considerations when choosing a long-acting injectable antipsychotic for schizophrenia?
While LAIs offer significant advantages, there are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you select the right formation, including:
- Dose adjustment timeline – Unlike oral medications, LAI dose changes may require weeks to take full effect
- Injection site reactions – Some patients may experience discomfort or irritation at the injection site
- Travel needs for administration – Regular clinic visits may be necessary for injections, depending on the specific formulation
What other services does Oakwood Labs offer?
We are proud to offer a wide range of services in the development and manufacturing of sustained release parenteral products. Our services include:
Contact Oakwood Labs Today
Have questions regarding long-acting injectable antipsychotics? Our team is here to assist you. Please reach out to a team member today for more information.
At Oakwood Labs, we’re dedicated to providing alternative solutions to drug delivery and development. This includes our ongoing work creating long-acting injectables for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension.
For those interested in learning more about the specific strides we’ve made within this sector, as well as the opportunity to partner with us, read on or contact our team today.
Then and Now: A Brief History of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Drug Development
The introduction of Epoprostenol in 1995 marked the first true breakthrough in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) treatment, as this medication was able to show the potential to target the prostacyclin pathway. Following this development, individuals began further research into other potential treatment options to help patients suffering from PAH.
It was not until 2001 that the first oral therapy, Bosentan, was approved and released to the public. Since then, 12 additional medications have been approved by the FDA to treat PAH, such as soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators, endothelin receptor blockers (ERBs), and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, to name a few.
Additionally, there are a few current trends in the advancement of pulmonary arterial hypertension pharmaceutical development, including those focused on:
- Combination therapies
- Targeted therapies
- Delivery methods
About Our Work Creating Long-Acting Injectables for Treating Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
The team at Oakwood Labs has used its advanced technology to create injectables for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. Though most of the formulations that are currently on the market for PAH treatment are mainly oral medications, the use of LAIs can come with several advantages, such as a decrease in the amount of drug administered to the patient, less frequent doses, and more.
Partner with Oakwood Labs
In order to further develop our cardiology program, Oakwood Labs is looking for an external partner to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. This includes managing phases 1–3 of clinical trials, funding development activities, and helping with ongoing commercialization and registration efforts.
For more information on the details of the position, please reach out to our team directly, as we would be happy to supply you with additional information about the development work to date, market opportunity, and estimated financial projections.
FAQs About Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension LAI Development
What are the major benefits of an LAI in cardiovascular treatments?
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare, progressive disease that causes high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and increased heartbeat.
LAI treatments in this area focus on vasodilators and platelet aggregation inhibitors. They work by relaxing blood vessels, including those in the lungs, and improving blood flow.
What are the current barriers to an LAI entering this particular space?
The barriers to entry for the LAI space are very high. You need to have a proven technology capable of delivering the right amount of the drug within a given therapeutic window. Plus, you need an FDA-approved GMP facility to manufacture the product, as well as a high level of expertise to understand, develop, and validate the process.
Oakwood Labs has all of these capabilities and over 25 years of experience within this field.
What sets Oakwood Labs apart from others in the development of LAIs to treat PAH and other cardiovascular issues?
Our team of experts has used its technology to develop formulations focused on treating pulmonary arterial hypertension with a release duration of one month. Current treatments, which mostly focus on oral medications, work in different ways but ultimately attempt to decrease symptom severity and increase exercise capacity.
The use of an LAI product would offer benefits similar to other therapeutic areas including reduction in the total amount of drug administered to the patient, as well as less frequent doses.
Reach Out to Us
If you have any additional questions about our continued work in pulmonary arterial hypertension drug development, or if you’re looking to partner with us, please contact us today.
Oakwood Labs is excited to participate in DCAT Week 2025, the premier global event held annually in New York City for companies engaged in the bio/pharmaceutical industry. This year’s DCAT Week is being held March 17–20, 2025.
Our team will be available on-site for business meetings. Please reach out today to book a meeting slot.
Oakwood Labs, Your Leading Sustained-Release Drug Manufacturer
Oakwood Labs is an experienced global CDMO partner that specializes in the development and manufacture of sustained-release injectable products. We use Chroniject™, which is a polymer microsphere-based drug delivery platform that offers various solutions such as:
- Compatibility with various molecule types
- Flexible release durations
- Applications in various therapeutic indications
With over 25 years of experience supplying sustained-release injectables, we’re dedicated to providing the best global pharmaceutical products.
Discover More About DCAT Week 2025
If you have any questions regarding DCAT Week 2025 or our capabilities at Oakwood Labs, feel free to contact us today.
The team at Oakwood Labs has made it our mission to develop long-acting injectables to treat various diseases and disorders. This includes ongoing work with drugs to treat acromegaly and carcinoid tumors, both rare diseases that affect millions of people globally. Read on to learn more about the strides we’ve taken within endocrinology, and the broader healthcare sector.
The History of Acromegaly and Carcinoid Tumor Drug Development
Though carcinoid syndrome was first described by Thorson and colleagues in 1954, Pierre Marie discovered acromegaly years prior in 1886. At these times, there were no acromegaly and carcinoid tumor pharmaceuticals to reduce the size of malignant or benign growths, so surgical removal of a tumor was incredibly common.
Then, in the 1970s, dopamine agonists, such as bromocriptine and cabergoline, were introduced as treatment options to control tumor growth for acromegaly and carcinoid syndrome. However, the treatment came with a range of side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, and constipation, to name a few, so they are not used as standalone options for treatment today.
The Current State of These Pharmaceuticals
Numerous strides have been made within the healthcare sector since the early stages of acromegaly and carcinoid tumor drug development. For example, as of June 2020, the FDA has approved oral octreotide capsules as one of the first long-term maintenance treatments for acromegaly. This alternative is a viable solution for individuals who have responded to and tolerated treatment with injectable SRLs.
Along with more recent trials and discoveries, several targeted drugs are used to treat these diseases and manage their symptoms, with Sandostatin being one of the most common. These synthetic acromegaly and carcinoid pharmaceuticals are designed to mimic the body’s natural hormone, somatostatin, which, in turn, prevents the body from producing too many growth hormones and serotonin.
What Oakwood Labs Is Developing Internally for Acromegaly and Carcinoid Tumor Treatment
Oakwood Labs has successfully manufactured and scaled up formulations focused on treating acromegaly and carcinoid tumors. The daily injections initially used for these conditions have been largely replaced by Sandostatin LAR, a one-month LAI product. Plus, our two-month formulations further reduce the number of injections and office visits patients experience by 50%, which can also help with enhancing patient compliance.
Additionally, Oakwood Labs currently has two endocrinology programs that are focused on creating pharmaceuticals to treat acromegaly and carcinoid tumors. Project Treestar is designed to specifically treat acromegaly and cancer-related nausea, while Project Lunar is looking to help those with type 2 diabetes.
Partnership Opportunities
Oakwood Labs is seeking an external partner to help further develop our endocrinology program. Just some of the key responsibilities include:
- Funding the ongoing development activities
- Overseeing phase 1-3 of clinical trials
- Contributing to registration and commercialization efforts
If you’re interested in pursuing this opportunity, please reach out to our team directly for more information. We would be happy to supply the partner with additional information about the market opportunity, estimated financial projections, and development work to date.
FAQs About LAIs for Acromegaly and Carcinoid Tumor Treatment
What are the major benefits of an LAI in treatments for acromegaly, carcinoid tumors, and more?
When developing drugs for treating acromegaly and carcinoid tumors, know that long-acting injectables are effective for blocking the production of excess blood levels of growth hormone (GF) and reducing the insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in acromegaly patients. This is helpful for individuals who cannot be treated with other methods, such as surgical intervention.
Sandostatin acts as a somatostatin analogue, mimicking a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate hormone release from the tumor cells. This aids in the treatment of carcinoid tumors.
What are the current barriers to an LAI entering this particular space?
The barriers to entry for the LAI space are very high. You need to have a proven technology capable of delivering the right amount of the drug within a given therapeutic window. You also need an FDA-approved GMP facility to manufacture the product. Finally, you need a high level of expertise to understand, develop, and validate the process.
Oakwood has all these capabilities, along with over 25 years of expertise within the field.
Contact Our Team of Experts Today
If you have any questions regarding the process of developing pharmaceuticals for treating acromegaly and carcinoid tumors, or our work in the endocrinology space, please reach out to our team of experts today. And if you’re looking for a position within our partnership program, contact us directly, as we look forward to hearing from you.