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Read moreReflecting on the virtual American Drug Delivery and Formulation Summit, 2020
12 Jan 2021Approximately one month ago our American Business Development Directors, Gary Willingham and Brian MacDonald, participated in the virtual American Drug Delivery and Formulation Summit. Albumedix has been a long-standing supporter of both the American and European DDF Summits and as such, we always look forward to catching up with collaborators and industry partners - although this time virtually.
Through the first couple of weeks in 2021, we are sure many have taken time to reflect on the past year; a year like no other. For Gary and Brian, attending the American DDF Summit allowed one last opportunity to gather market input in 2020 and they have shared their thoughts and reflections.
Many very interesting talks were given about the diverse ways to achieve optimal formulation of API´s, both biologics and small molecules. Notably, even compared to just a few years back, the number of talks considering the formulation of cell and gene therapies was higher. Here, especially a talk by Bharathi Vellalore, Scientist, Drug Product Development Discovery, Product Development and Supply from Janssen were particularly interesting. This discussed challenges and opportunities in cell therapy formulation and delivery, focusing on cold chain and challenges with freezing, storage, and thawing. A very topical subject for the industry presently with interesting perspectives from a company like Janssen.
Also very topical was a presentation by Luis Santos, Drug Delivery Leader, Biopharmaceutical Development, Cell and Gene Therapies, Innovation from AstraZeneca. He talked about using gene therapy approaches to address global pandemics. With both BioNTech/Pfizer and Moderna having developed mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 as well as the wealth of gene-based therapies in the pipeline of pharmaceutical companies worldwide, both Brian and Gary noted this talk which gave interesting insights relevant for their own gene therapy based customers in Albumedix.
A talk by Shwetha Iyer, Principal Scientist- Formulation and Characterization from Novartis addressed liquid pre-formulation assessment of biological candidates which also spoke to the general challenges in formulation of biologics. These are challenges which we here in Albumedix have dedicated ourselves to through our 30 years in existence and therefore always enjoy listing into from a renowned company like Novartis.
Albumin is natures own stabilizer, effectively used in drug formulation to prevent aggregation, surface adsorption or oxidation. In Albumedix we are working tirelessly to manufacture the highest quality recombinant albumin product on the market to help drug developers get their therapies to patients. A conference like the American Drug Delivery and Formulation Summit focuses on challenges that we are addressing every day with customers, and so reflecting on the virtual summit back in December last year both Brian and Gary are excited to continue these conversations in future conferences and customers meetings throughout 2021.