Nanotechnology in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Session 106
Technology Track

The industry is facing unprecedented pressure to bring products to the market faster and with a higher probability of success. Nanotechnology presents an avenue for companies to improve upon existing safe therapies and enjoy patent protection via a 505b2 regulatory route, or significant increase the bioavailability of New Molecular Entities in development. Understanding the technical and regulatory hurdles necessary to safely and effectively leverage nanotechnology is the first step to realizing the potential benefits of this approach.

Session Description

This session will discuss nanotechnology approaches developed for pharmaceutical applications and technologies including: fullerenes (buckyballs) as drug carriers, nanotubules for drug delivery, nanoparticles (e.g., liposomes, dendrimers, micelles), nanospheres, molecular nanotechnology, and the potential integration of nanotechnology and drug-delivery platforms (i.e. Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems or MEMS). You will learn the strengths and weaknesses of these different approaches to leverage the full potential of these emerging technology platforms.

At the conclusion of this session, participants will:

Understand the technical, quality, and regulatory considerations of nanotechnology
Understand the potential applications for nanotechnology within the life sciences arena
Understand the limitations and hurdles to implementing nanotechnology today
Understand the challenges facing Pharma today in implementing nanotechnology
Discuss with thought leaders what is on the horizon in terms of nanotechnology

Leaders

Speakers

Jeff Campie, USA
Richard Forsyth, Senior Consultant, Hyde Engineering + Consulting, USA
Nigel Hamilton, Global Quality, Strategy and Process Excellence, Sanofi Aventis, United Kingdom
Aisling Horan, Validation Scientist, Alkermes Plc, Ireland
Edwin Melendez, Principle Consultant, Parexel, USA
Mark O'Reilly, Director Engineering, Alkermes Pharma Ireland Ltd, Ireland
Kimberly Ray, A. Director Project Mgmt, Oso Biopharmaceuticals Mfg LLC, USA
Julian Wilkins, Vice President, PharmaConsult US Inc, USA
Paul Wreglesworth, Independent Consultant, United Kingdom