Bio Break: How to Ensure Targeted Drug Delivery Hits the Right Spot

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Bio Break: How to Ensure Targeted Drug Delivery Hits the Right Spot

Topic: Bio Break

In this episode of Bio Break, Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden tackle the fascinating challenge of targeted drug delivery. When administering drugs to specific areas in the body, how can we be certain they reach the intended target? Nick shares an exciting example involving an intranasal device designed to deliver drugs precisely to the olfactory cleft—an area located between the eyes.

From initial bench modeling with plastic nose prototypes to sophisticated human trials, the episode breaks down the multi-step process used to confirm drug deposition. Learn how techniques like using food coloring on prototypes and delivering radiotracer technetium-99 for imaging helped refine their approach. Nick dives into the advanced use of CT scans and radioactivity mapping, followed by real-world testing with medical-grade methylene blue and ENT scope visualization.

The team showcases how the integration of engineering, human trials, and medical-grade testing leads to reliable results in targeted delivery systems. Discover why these detailed studies are crucial for verifying that drugs reach their destination, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Whether you’re a medical professional, device developer, or simply intrigued by how cutting-edge drug delivery works, this episode offers insights into the science and technology behind targeted solutions.

Key Topics Covered:

  • Real-world examples of ensuring precision drug delivery
  • Targeted drug delivery to the olfactory cleft
  • Using radiotracers like technetium-99 in imaging trials
  • Employing methylene blue for visible deposition tracking
  • Challenges and solutions in intranasal device testing

How to Ensure Targeted Drug Delivery Hits the Right Spot

Two professionals engaged in a discussion at a wooden table in a laboratory setting, with the text 'How to Target Drug Delivery' prominently displayed above them. One participant wears a plaid shirt, while the other dons a checkered shirt, and both have coffee mugs featuring their names. The background showcases a blurred laboratory environment, adding a professional and scientific atmosphere to the scene.

Bio Break: How to Ensure Targeted Drug Delivery Hits the Right Spot

In this episode of Bio Break, Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden tackle the fascinating challenge of targeted drug delivery. When administering drugs to specific areas in the body, how can we be certain they reach the intended target? Nick shares an exciting example involving an intranasal device designed to deliver drugs precisely to the olfactory cleft—an area located between the eyes.

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Two individuals sit at a wooden table in a bright laboratory setting, deeply engaged in discussion. One person gestures animatedly, emphasizing a point, while the other listens intently, with a notebook open in front of them. Both have mugs on the table labeled with their names, adding a personal touch. The text overlay reads 'Shear Stress: Risks & Solutions' in bold and engaging typography, with the backdrop of lab equipment creating a professional yet approachable atmosphere.

Bio Break: Understanding Shear Stress

Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden dive into a critical concept in drug delivery and biopharmaceutical development: shear stress. Understanding shear stress, especially when dealing with delicate therapies like cell and gene treatments or mRNA vaccines, can have profound effects on drug viability and efficacy. Nick walks us through how shear stress is identified, measured, and mitigated during product design and development.

A compact, modern nebulizer with an open mouthpiece emitting a fine mist, set against a black background with swirling fog. Text overlay reads: 'Needle-Free Drug Delivery - Try This!' in bold purple and white lettering.

Bio Break: Innovations in Drug Delivery

Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden delve into the fascinating world of drug delivery systems, focusing on the innovative use of nebulizers. While traditional methods like pills and injections dominate the landscape, nebulizers offer a unique, efficient, and non-invasive alternative for administering medications.