One of the most critical challenges confronting the pharmaceutical industry is developing patient-friendly delivery systems for the growing biologics market, which currently totals $150 billion worldwide.
As the population ages, and the incidence rate of chronic indications rises globally, the market for biologics is expected to increase at a rate of nearly 10% annually. Biologic therapies typically require parenteral delivery due to their large size; however, injections are often painful for the patient, have a high risk of needle-stick injury, and require administration by a healthcare professional.
Consequently, there is a need to develop patient-friendly delivery methods for biologics that are convenient, safe, and increase patient compliance. Drug companies are actively seeking novel devices to make it easier for patients to self-administer drugs. By combining the drug formulation with a device, companies also have the opportunity to differentiate existing drugs as well as novel products in the pipeline.
Arina Paoli, global marketing communications manager for 3M, explains that the growing biologics market is driving the need for innovated delivery devices, including microneedles. "We believe microneedle technologies will play a key role in the growth of the biologics market. We are seeing companies explore our MTS microneedle technologies to treat chronic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, because this new delivery system has the potential to improve compliance and be easier to administer for both patients and caregivers.”
To address these critical needs and identify business opportunities in this rapidly growing sector, Technology Catalysts Intl. launched a new Technology and Business Review on “Next-Generation Self-Administered Drug-Device Combinations: New Technologies and Business Opportunities.” This report focuses on the following leading delivery systems that will play a transformational role in optimizing delivery of biologics and promoting self-administration and enhanced patient compliance:
• Autoinjectors and pen injectors
• Prefilled syringes
• Active transdermal devices, with a focus on microneedles
• Inhalers
This report highlights the important regulatory approval process for drug-device combination products in the U.S., E.U., and Japan. Important device design considerations, market trends, future applications, and challenges to developing drug-device combinations are also discussed. TCI's new report will be made available online.
Online features include:
• Technology profiles updated in real time
• A searchable database of technology profiles
• Recent news on new product launches, licensing agreements, and collaborations
For more information, contact Ajay Rastogi, vice president, Technology Catalysts Intl. by phone at (703) 531-0257, or by e-mail at [email protected]
Technology Catalysts International is a Falls Church, VA-based specialist in technology licensing, technology assessment, and technology portfolio management. Its core consulting services are based on continuous monitoring of global technology development.
