The Future of BioPharma blog provides timely coverage of news that directly impacts the business strategies of the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device industries. In addition to news coverage, the Future of BioPharma blog features live event coverage from IIR's Biopharmaceutical and Healthcare division.
Peter Kramer, PhD Executive Director, Technology Transactions Bristol-Myers Squibb
Pharma is currently in an unsustainable growth period. The current future is unclear. It’s worth taking the chance in this industry. This industry makes a difference, as AIDS is now a treatable chronic disease. There was also a decrease in cardiovascular disease and survival rates for cancers lasting longer than five years. Kramer is wondering if Pharma is part of the problem or cure? Pharma is an adventure right now, and the 14th Annual DDP is very suited by the magic that Orlando brings. We are all tied together in partnerships. DDP does this for the industry. Collaborative relations and partnerships in drug delivery all make Pharma happen and to be as successful as it is today. With everyone’s participation not only will DDP 14 be a success, but DDP 15 will be even better.
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Thomas M. Reilly, PhD, MBA President BDHorizons, LLC
Older populations use more drugs, over 2/3 of patients over 65 have chronic diseases. Most patients are taking more than one medicine. Over 125,000 deaths each year are the result of medication mismanagement. Poor compliance also results in poor outcomes and poor quality of life.
Common medication problems in the area -Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing) -Poor drug absorption from the GI -Xerostomia (dry mouth, often induced by medication) -Polypharmacy – too many drugs
This is in addition to other common problematic symptoms – -Diminished sight/hearing -Impaired stomach/intestinal mobility -Diminished mental faculties -Depression -Poor cooperation -Limited mobility
Advantages of Transdermal Delivery. Many companies are focusing on this for geriatrics, so it is an option for consistent drug delivery to the elderly population. -Exploits large surface area of skin for drug absorption -Transdermal patches provide controlled continuous delivery of drug, while avoiding problems of first pass metabolism and dysphagia associated with oral dosing -Ease of use -Patent acceptability -Caretaker preference
Parkisnon’s Disease -Second most common neurodegenerative disease with average age of onset of 60 -PD symptoms often interfere with oral dosing in patients: dysphagia, gastric stasis, drooling, shaking and tremors and dementia. It’s difficult to continue traditional oral therapy here.
Current medications used to treat this: Exceeded $1.5 billion in sales -Levodopa (converted to dopamine in CNSO -Dopamine agonists (Requip, Mirapex) -MAO-B Inhibitors (selegine) -Anticholinergoics
Urinary Incontinence -Common problem in the elderly affecting up to 35% of the geriatric population -A leading cause of institutionalized among the elderly -Huge economic burden on society
Issues with oral medication – -Associated with high rates of side effects (dry mouth, constipation) which promote poor compliance, especially in the elderly. Compliance in this category are especially low. -Part of the problem with oral oxybutynin is metabolism to active metabolite (N-DEO) in intestine and liver
Advances in formulations and delivery -ER formulations of anticholinergics for once-a-day dosing -Oxytrol ®: Transdermal patch from Watson. It delivers oxybutynin continuously over 3-4 days. Skin irritation has been the main problem. It’s resulted in the creation of a gel.
Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) -Leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the elderly -Affects up to 10 million Americans, with epidemic proportions expected by 2040 due to demographics -Wet and dry forms Dry is the most common, it’s really the precursor. No way to prevent this to the conversion of the wet form. It occurs in the back of the eye, so it’s very difficult to deliver blood there. Current treatments require interval injections.
-Addressing medication problems in the elderly offers huge potential for both societal and economic gains.
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Peter Kramer, PhD
