A Path to Faster and More Cost-Effective Drug Development

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A Path to Faster and More Cost-Effective Drug Development
Rensselaer researchers publish findings in Molecular Pharmaceuticals
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) have published research in Molecular Pharmaceuticals predicting how proteins interact in drug development. The research, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), is in collaboration with Amgen and University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. In the paper, researchers use a mathematical model to predict the viscosity of solutions of proteins to be used as drugs. This is critical in drug development as the viscosity determines the method of delivery — needle or IV.
Traditionally, the viscosity testing is done at a later stage of drug development. This testing reveals whether a molecule or a fluid has too high of a viscosity. If it is too viscous, it will be too thick or have too much friction to flow freely in a needle. In drug development, molecules need to have low viscosity from the start. The unpredictable drug development process can be delayed or set back when the materials are too viscous. Discovering a way to determine viscosity earlier in the development process will shorten the process, and also reduce costs in drug development and, therefore, reduce costs to patients.
“Our aim is to identify protein interactions behind the complex viscosity behavior of dilute to semi-dilute protein solutions,” said Patrick Underhill, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at RPI. “Further, coupling between the interactions is important for designing therapeutic protein formulations where low viscosity is desired at high concentrations. Ultimately, this will have a positive impact in drug delivery and cost.”
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About Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is America’s first technological research university. Rensselaer encompasses five schools, over 30 research centers, more than 140 academic programs including 25 new programs, and a dynamic community made up of over 6,800 students and 104,000 living alumni. Rensselaer faculty and alumni include upwards of 155 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.