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CUHK develops novel drug formulation method that increases efficacy of drugs
Professor Xu Lei of the Department of Physics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), in collaboration with Harvard University, has developed a unique drug formulation method to address the long-standing issue of low solubility in many drugs. This innovative approach, which significantly increases drug bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, has the potential to revolutionise the pharmaceutical industry. The findings have been published in the international journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The challenge of low solubility reduces drugs’ bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy, undermining their clinical effectiveness. Many drug candidates exhibit high solubility in fats, which enhances their affinity for human cell membranes. However, this characteristic often results in poor water solubility, posing significant challenges in passing clinical trials and gaining market approval. Consequently, finding effective methods to increase solubility is therefore crucial for the development of new drugs and the improvement of the efficacy of existing drugs.
To address this critical issue, the research team led by Professor Xu has developed an innovative drug formulation technique using specially engineered silica surfaces. These surfaces demonstrate a high affinity for both drug and water molecules. In a dry environment, they efficiently adsorb various drug molecules. When exposed to water, however, the surfaces preferentially bind to water molecules, triggering a competitive adsorption process that displaces the drug molecules. This mechanism significantly enhances drug dissolution. This method is applicable across a wide range of drugs, stable for prolonged storage, cost-effective and scalable for mass production. That makes it a promising method to be a next-generation platform for drug formulation and delivery.
Professor Xu said: “Our formulations are made from low-cost and biocompatible materials, such as silica, which can be applied to various drugs with significant effects. The manufacturing process relies on commonly practised techniques involving adjustments in temperature and pressure, which are straightforward, scalable and cost-efficient.”
The research team has successfully applied this novel method to various insoluble drugs, including Fenofibrate, Rapamycin, Diclofenac, Simvastatin, Oxaprozin, Repaglinide, Flurbiprofen, Paclitaxel, Docetaxel and Ibuprofen. This demonstrates its broad applicability across diverse therapeutic areas from cardiovascular health to oncology. Their remarkable work was recognised at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024, where they won a Silver Award. To commercialise this technology, they have established a startup company, PharmaEase Tech Limited, aiming to collaborate with industry partners to explore its application to new drug candidates.
The remarkable work of the research team led by Professor Xu Lei (left) was recognised at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024, where they won a Silver Award.
