< PreviousDELIVERY SYSTEMS 30 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net to a push toward more self-administered drugs in the future, with delivery systems therefore needing to adapt and grow to allow for ease of use and safety when not administered by a professional. Of course, this will always be gated by the drug in question and its availability and the potential for misuse or self-harm. Delivery systems remain an exciting industry, however, and a recent report released by researchers at the Tokyo University of Science believe that optimising the structure of drug delivery systems could help target cancer cells during treatments. The advantages of cancer cells over normal cells are known to be the manner in which they grow and manipulate other cells, making targeting of them difficult and often causing other cells valuable to the human body to be affected by treatment. The challenge, therefore, is in selectively targeting those cells while also ensuring the treatment reaches the tumour in a quantity required to affect it. A potential candidate identified by the Tokyo University of Science is porphyrins, a group of organic compounds that form the centre of several proteins currently existing in the human body. Interestingly enough, porphyrins are composed of four subunits that give them specific electronic properties which, in combination with receptors on cancer cells, cause an accumulation of the porphyrins. Therefore, researchers believe that administering treatment with porphyrins – essentially using them as a delivery system – may allow for the treatment to reach and even be accepted by the cancerous cells and tumour. All of this remains in research and testing for now, but the potential for more intelligent delivery systems that can specifically target cancer cells could 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 13:55 Page 3Pharma Business International 31 www.pbiforum.net DELIVERY SYSTEMS © Shutterstock /Lightspring drastically shake up the market and be of use in much more than the treatment of cancer. Further down the human body in the intestinal tract, German independent research institute BioMed X has announced its new research project with Janssen Research & Development (one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson), which will strive to discover novel transport mechanisms in the human intestinal tract which could be utilized for oral delivery of diverse therapeutic modalities. Biologics such as monoclonal antibodies have transformed the treatment of immune-related diseases, but need to be delivered by injection, which may have higher barriers to use compared to oral delivery. The collaboration was facilitated by Johnson & Johnson Innovation. Christian Tidona, founder and Managing Director of the BioMed X Institute says: “There are several techniques available to shield these macromolecules from the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, but little progress has been made to translocate complex macromolecules across the intestinal epithelial barrier into systemic circulation. This project has the potential to provide us with a novel delivery platform that enables the development of a new generation of oral immunotherapies.” The public may be focused on the nuances of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine on time, but what is clear is that the market must look further, beyond the current crisis and to the next. Research is already underway on novel drug delivery systems, but with the risk of a global pandemic now firmly on people’s minds, it is difficult to grasp the attention these projects so rightfully deserve. 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 13:55 Page 4DIGITAL THERAPEUTICS 32 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net Digital health solutions are set to revolutionise how people across the globe gain higher standards of health and secure better access to health services. As increasing strain is placed on the healthcare sector, various technologies have been thrust centre stage to alleviate some of this pressure, with digital tools monitoring the spread of coronavirus and facilitating improved treatment. China for instance moved half of its medical care online in response to the outbreak and GPs across the world have been asked to carry out remote appointments to minimise transmission risk, sending out texts to patients to ward them off going to surgeries. The model of patient interaction has changed in the face of coronavirus. Demand for telehealth has spiked as the reach of healthcare professionals needs to be extended, and digital doctor platforms have seen a significant acceleration in consultations. Health tech suppliers are developing new products to assist health services, to make certain doctors have the tools required to support people in self-isolation or with symptoms, or indeed those with different cases who still need attention at this time, or perhaps need to order prescriptions. Video consultation platforms have been key in the COVID- 19 outbreak, in reducing the number of patients visiting surgeries and managing those who potentially have coronavirus, enabling them to be monitored remotely. With video, the public can gain safe access to medical professionals via apps on phones and computers, meanwhile healthcare staff remain protected, and in cases where they themselves may need to isolate, they can still provide care. Various screening and information tools have also been developed to help members of the public assess their symptoms and risk factors, allowing them to answer a few questions to be directed on the next steps they should take, to relieve the burden on the health sector. Wearables are also growing in importance, being utilised to catch possible cases of Coronavirus and other diseases early. Scripps Research Translational Institute has launched the Depending on digital In the wake of COVID-19, technology is being well utilised to keep people safe, as Pharma Business International explores. 34 Á 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 14:04 Page 1Pharma Business International 33 www.pbiforum.net DIGITAL THERAPEUTICS © Shutterstock /Justlight 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 14:04 Page 2DIGITAL THERAPEUTICS 34 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net app-based Digital Engagement & Tracking for Early Control & Treatment study (DETECT), wherein devices such as Fitbits and Apple Watches, which capture real-time data, are being used to track heart rate, sleep and activity levels, alongside participant submitted symptom reports, to alert abnormalities before COVID-19 symptoms and fever occur. At the end of March, Scripps Research invited the public to join the study, seeking to evaluate shared data from wearable users to improve detection and containment of infectious disease outbreaks in the USA, including coronavirus and influenza. Using this data, and evaluating individual changes day to day, scientists believe they will be able to bolster real-time surveillance of contagious respiratory illnesses, avoiding contact which could aid in transmission, and assist in situations where early detection is essential for effecting public health response. Researchers also hope it will enable earlier treatment and isolation for those who have been identified as potentially having a viral infection. Jennifer Radin, PhD, an epidemiologist at the Scripps Research Translational Institute who is leading the study said: “In light of the ongoing flu season and the global pandemic of COVID-19, we see enormous opportunity to enhance disease tracking for improved population health. One way to do this is to leverage and analyse the rich health data that’s already being collected by the millions of Americans who regularly use wearable devices.” The study follows a previous by Scripps, which indicated that by analysing data from 47,000 Fitbit devices with heart rate tracking capabilities, they could significantly improve predictions of influenza-like illness at the state level when compared with data from the CDC. Artificial intelligence (AI) meanwhile is being wielded to detect the spread of COVID-19, with firms employing big data analytics to track the spread of infectious disease by digging through news report information, animal disease outbreaks and airline data. Trends can then be analysed by epidemiologists. Additionally, AI algorithms are being applied to mobile phone location data to © Shutterstock /Rido 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 14:04 Page 3Pharma Business International 35 www.pbiforum.net DIGITAL THERAPEUTICS predict disease spread and AI is being used to aid diagnosis of Coronavirus, detecting pneumonia using CT scans, and in treatment development, to develop antibodies and vaccines, design drugs to fight the outbreak and scan through existing drugs to be repurposed. AI was also a key partner for scientists recreating the genome sequence of COVID-19, allowing this to be done in just a month. Further, medical robots and robotic medicine carts with cameras, screens and medical equipment are being used in quarantined areas to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the USA a man with Coronavirus has been treated by a robot, with a medical team communicating through a screen. The robot, with a stethoscope, has assisted in taking vitals. Robots are also cleaning hospitals, sanitising surfaces with ultraviolet C light, while wireless continuous body thermometers are being worn by patients, and mouthpieces and sensors are capturing vitals which are being sent to apps held by doctors. The opportunities digital solutions present have been pushed into the spotlight due to the spread of the novel Coronavirus and may well see patients and health professionals become more open to digital tools in the future, bringing new devices and platforms into play more quickly. In utilising digital health tools of course, growth is sure to be stunted by security and regulatory concerns. Software vulnerabilities will need to be monitored and health data protected. When it comes to regulation, digital health companies will need to note the EU’s new Medical Device Regulation incoming in May, which will see a number of symptom checker apps categorised as Class IIa medical devices and therefore witness tighter regulation. A further issue in implementing digital options worth noting is the digital literacy of elderly patients, a high-risk group in outbreaks like Coronavirus, who may not have the skills to access remote options, or indeed the technology. To overcome this, education programs will need to be in place as well as simplified platforms, adjusted to the needs of this group. © Shutterstock /ra2 studio 32-35.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 14:04 Page 4Nano Science 2021 26 – 27 March Online Nano Science 2021 bring together all the International communities (students, scientists, engineers and stakeholders from academia, government laboratories, industry and other organisations) working in the field of Nano science and technology to discuss new and exciting advances in the field. This webinar will also provide an ideal environment to develop new collaborations and meet experts on the fundamentals, applications, and products of the mentioned fields. To find out more, visit www.nanotech.conferenceseries.com. The Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference 4 – 5 May Online The Psychedelic Therapeutics and Drug Development Conference has been organized to bring together the world’s leading researchers and leaders in academia and industry to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing those engaged in the research and development of psychedelics for various health conditions with considerable unmet need. This event will highlight the progress being made towards regulatory approval of a variety of psychedelics with the potential to treat various conditions, including inflammatory/autoimmune disorders, brain injury, pain, PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, headaches, depression, and opioid use disorder. To find out more, visit www.psychedelics- conference.com. Pharma EVENTS © Shutterstock / r .classen Gene Therapy for Blood Disorders 9 – 11 March Online The 2nd Gene Therapy for Blood Disorders is the only industry meeting specifically dedicated to overcoming the clinical and commercial challenges faced in gene therapy drug development for haemophilia, sickle cell disease, beta thalassemia and other blood disorders. Join the likes of UniQure, Graphite Bio, bluebird bio, Sanofi, Spark Therapeutics and more industry pioneers as they share their latest insights and lessons learned to help accelerate programs to market. To find out more, visit www.genetherapy- blood.com. 36 Pharma Business International www.pbiforum.net practitioners, and educators to share the insights and discuss the recent innovations, research, concerns as well as practical challenges encountered, and development to improve healthcare sector’s preventive and cure needs. The conference’s global goal is to deliberate and disseminate innovative ideas among academics, research and development executives, scientists, industrialists, and policymakers to deepen the comprehension and transform the knowledge into innovative solutions for patient care. For more information, email info@ivaccinesconference.com. Injectable Drug Delivery 12 – 13 May Online Part of Europe’s Injectable conference series, SMi’s 3rd Annual Injectable Drug Delivery Virtual Conference will assess innovations in drug product formulation and biologics, innovations in device design, quality management and connectivity for enhanced subcutaneous delivery. To find out more, visit shorturl.at/owEL1 iPharma Expo 2021 14 – 15 May Mumbai, India iPharma Expo 2021 is expected to witness around 150 exhibitor’s and 1,500- 2,000 visitors footfall from pharma industry. This expo will showcase the latest trends and technologies in pharmaceuticals, drugs and formulations and will bring together eminent personalities from various sectors of pharma, non-pharma and healthcare industries. To find out more, visit shorturl.at/osEW2 International Vaccines and Virology Conference 10 – 11 June London Attendees can share research findings, promote knowledge exchange and network with a broad audience in the field of microbiology and immunology. This is an annual gathering for researchers, Targeting RNA Congress 2021 15 – 17 March Online Learn where to target your RNA molecules after exploring the newest biophysical techniques to analyse RNA structure, including NMR, Cryo-EM, and in silico modelling. Understand what makes a druggable RNA target and hear from expert RNA biologists to advise how best to drug your favourite RNA targets. Get translational insights into what considerations are important when creating a small molecule that targets RNA by learning how to develop tools for assessment of RNA targets. Hear what new techniques can help to drug these tricky targets, including RNAi, RNA degraders and RIBOTACs. To find out more, visit www.kisacoresearch.com/events/targeting-rna-congress-2021.© Shutterstock/Rost9 36-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 14:00 Page 12nd International Women Health and Breast Cancer Conference 10 – 11 June London The 2nd International Women Health and Breast Cancer Conference welcome you to meet healthcare experts in London this summer. It provides an international forum for academicians, practitioners, health and business professionals to share latest advancement and research across the broad field of women’s health. Its focus includes the dissemination of translational research and evidence-based practices for disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for women across the lifespan. To find out more, visit www.iwomenhealthconference.com. BCMA Targeted Therapies 21 – 23 June Online The inaugural BCMA Targeted Therapies Summit is industry’s first dedicated discussion and networking forum focused on bringing together the thought-leaders within the BCMA field to share the latest scientific progress and address the current challenges drug developers are facing. Developed with experts from Amgen, Kite Pharma and Legend Bio and other leading organisations, join 80+ of your peers and be part of this unique opportunity to engage in cross-industry discussions. Hear from over 20 experts sharing preclinical data for next generation BCMA targeted therapies, bringing in the patient perspective and exploring efficacy of patient response from the clinic. To find out more, visit www.bcma-targeted-therapies.com. www.pbiforum.net Pharma Business International 37 © Shutterstock/Gorodenkof f 2nd Manufacturing Assets and Facility Management in Pharma Summit 2021 11 – 13 May Online The 2nd Manufacturing Assets & Facility Management in Pharma Summit is returning in 2021 as the only industry led meeting championing a holistic approach to asset and facility management. It will unite a global community to bring in the next generation of pharma manufacturing. From aging infrastructures to new bio-facilities, it will look at sustainable and reliable design, smart manufacturing solutions to extend asset lifecycles and help you achieve operational excellence. To find out more, visit www.manufacturing-assets-in-pharma.com. 36-37.qxp_Layout 1 08/02/2021 14:00 Page 2FEATURES Blood diseases exposé Procurement Security Packaging Manufacturing Emerging diseases Next issue: Deadline - 31st March 2021 REGULARS News Events M&A Round-up Eye on approvals Pharma BUSINESS INTERN ATION AL Visit us at www.pbiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between digital issues? @pbiforumwww.pbiforum.netcompany/pbiforum 38.qxp_Layout 1 09/02/2021 11:32 Page 1Next >