Novel method of formulation lifts efficacy of drugs

Cheng Wong

The efficacy of drugs like painkiller Ibuprofen can be greatly improved as researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed a novel drug formulation method to tackle the low solubility issue of many medications.

In collaboration with Harvard University, the unique drug formulation method innovated by professor Xu Lei of CUHK's Department of Physics and his team can significantly enhance drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, potentially revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry.

"Our formulations are made from low-cost and biocompatible materials, such as silica, which can be applied to various drugs with significant effects," he said. "The manufacturing process relies on commonly practiced techniques involving adjustments in temperature and pressure, which are straightforward, scalable and cost-efficient."

The long-standing challenge of low solubility reduces drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, compromising clinical effectiveness.

To tackle this issue, the CUHK research team has developed an innovative drug formulation technique utilizing specially engineered silica surfaces.

These surfaces exhibit a high affinity for both drug and water molecules, efficiently adsorbing drugs in dry environments. When exposed to water, they preferentially bind to water molecules, displacing the drug and significantly enhancing dissolution.

The team highlighted that their method is versatile, stable for long-term storage, cost-effective and scalable for mass production, positioning it as a promising next-generation platform for drug formulation and delivery.

They have successfully applied this technique to several insoluble drugs including Fenofibrate, Rapamycin, Diclofenac, Simvastatin, Oxaprozin, Repaglinide, Flurbiprofen, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel and Ibuprofen.

To commercialize this technology, they founded a startup company, PharmaEase Tech Limited, that aims to collaborate with industry partners to explore its application with new drug candidates.

cheng.wong@singtaonewscorp.com