With advances in technology defining the pharmaceutical industry, it seems that the landscape is currently experiencing a state of flux; limitations that once bound drug delivery and discovery are no longer as rigid. Drug companies can now utilise nanotechnology to direct the drug specifically to the target.
Another promising technology is the use of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), a class of therapeutics that involves using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) coupled with cytotoxic agents. The ability of mAbs to selectively bind to cells expressing the target antigen with high affinity leads to a decrease in off-target toxicity, making ADCs a good candidate for cancer treatment.1
Indeed, the need for new modes of delivery and innovative drugs is a priority, not only for the pharma industry, but also at a national level. The US government, for example, has recognised this with President Barack Obama’s 2016 budget, which provides $1.5 billion in funding for the National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI).2 After the updated nanotechnology standards, FDA has increased pipeline efficiency for certain uniquely designed drugs.
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