Bio Break: Innovations in Drug Delivery

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Bio Break: Innovations in Drug Delivery

Topic: Bio Break

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.

Nebulizers are commonly associated with treating pulmonary conditions like asthma and COPD, but their potential goes far beyond that. Joris explains how nebulizers convert liquid drugs into a fine mist of droplets, which can be easily inhaled. This method ensures that the medication reaches the desired areas of the lungs for effective absorption. Moreover, nebulizers can also be used for systemic drug delivery, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and avoiding the first-pass metabolism. This demonstrates the fascinating potential in drug delivery innovations.

One particularly intriguing application is the use of nebulizers to administer insulin. Although not all such trials have been successful, the concept highlights the versatility of nebulizer technology. These devices are pain-free, needle-free, and designed for at-home use, making them more user-friendly compared to traditional injection methods.

Nick and Joris also discuss the advancements that have revolutionized nebulizer technology. Modern innovations like ultrasonic and vibrating mesh systems have replaced traditional compressors, resulting in quieter, more compact, and highly efficient devices. This progress makes nebulizers an increasingly appealing option for patients in home settings and showcases the continual innovations in drug delivery.

However, Joris notes that not all drugs are suitable for nebulization. Sensitive medications, such as monoclonal antibodies, may not withstand the shear forces involved in the nebulization process. Despite this limitation, nebulizers remain a game-changing tool for a wide range of therapies, offering a practical and patient-friendly solution for drug delivery and emphasizing the importance of drug delivery innovations.

Join Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden in this Bio Break episode, as they explore how technology and engineering continue to redefine medical devices and improve patient experiences through drug delivery innovations.

Innovations in Drug Delivery

Jet Injector Drug Delivery - A gloved hand holds a syringe angled upward on a white background. A red dashed arrow curves upward from the syringe needle, pointing to empty space. Large black text on the left reads “Outdated?” suggesting a question about the relevance or currency of syringe-based technology.

Jet Injector Drug Delivery: Promise and Pitfalls

Nick and Nigel dive into the world of jet injector drug delivery. This needle-free method, made popular in science fiction and real-world vaccines, is still used today.

Cupping therapy on a person's back with six transparent suction cups applied to the skin. A bold text reads 'This is the future!' with a large red arrow pointing toward the cups. The background is minimal and white.

Injection Pain Reduction with Suction: A Simple Solution

Nick and Nigel explore a surprising approach to injection pain reduction using suction technology. What started as an unusual product order at StarFish Medical led to important insights on improving patient comfort during injections.

Person applying a white microneedle patch to their upper arm, with a red arrow pointing to the patch and a close-up of the microneedles on the right. Text reads “Painless!” to highlight the pain-free nature of the patch.

Why Microneedles Still Matter in Drug Delivery

Nigel and Nick explore microneedle drug delivery—a growing field in medtech that aims to improve patient comfort and treatment compliance. While the term “microneedles” may sound futuristic, this technology has been around for years.

Illustration of suppository drug delivery method. Rectangular blister pack of suppositories, which are making a comeback in drug delivery, on a blue background with one suppository placed outside the packaging. Large bold text reads 'What a comeback!' with a red arrow pointing toward the suppositories, suggesting renewed interest or relevance.

Suppository Drug Delivery Is Making a Comeback

Nick and Nigel discuss an often-overlooked but increasingly relevant form of drug delivery: suppositories. While typically considered old-fashioned, suppositories are experiencing a resurgence in modern MedTech thanks to their versatility, systemic absorption benefits, and emerging formulation technologies.