2014 September ; 13(9): 655-672 | Samir Mitragotri, Paul A. Burke, and Robert Langer
The article "Overcoming the Challenges in Administering Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation and Delivery Strategies" by Mitragotri, Burke, and Langer reviews recent advances in the formulation and delivery of biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. These drugs pose significant challenges due to their large size and susceptibility to degradation. The authors highlight strategies like microsphere-based controlled-release technologies, protein modification methods using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and other polymers, and genetic manipulation of biopharmaceuticals. They also discuss alternative delivery routes, including transdermal, oral, and pulmonary delivery, as well as targeted and intracellular protein delivery. The review emphasizes the advantages and limitations of these approaches and the ongoing efforts to address unmet needs in the field. Despite the challenges, novel formulations and delivery strategies have enabled the successful market launch of numerous biopharmaceutical products, suggesting that the benefits of these drugs outweigh their limitations.The article "Overcoming the Challenges in Administering Biopharmaceuticals: Formulation and Delivery Strategies" by Mitragotri, Burke, and Langer reviews recent advances in the formulation and delivery of biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies and recombinant proteins. These drugs pose significant challenges due to their large size and susceptibility to degradation. The authors highlight strategies like microsphere-based controlled-release technologies, protein modification methods using polyethylene glycol (PEG) and other polymers, and genetic manipulation of biopharmaceuticals. They also discuss alternative delivery routes, including transdermal, oral, and pulmonary delivery, as well as targeted and intracellular protein delivery. The review emphasizes the advantages and limitations of these approaches and the ongoing efforts to address unmet needs in the field. Despite the challenges, novel formulations and delivery strategies have enabled the successful market launch of numerous biopharmaceutical products, suggesting that the benefits of these drugs outweigh their limitations.