RECENT ADVANCES IN THE ORAL DELIVERY OF BIOLOGICS

Kunchala Malleswari*, Dr. Desireddy Rama Brahma Reddy, Addanki Jeevana Jyothi, Vatambeti Navya and Sani Hymavathi

ABSTRACT

Patients tend to prefer taking medicines orally as tends to be more convenient; however, oral administration is not currently possible for biologics. The physiological role of the gastrointestinal tract presents multiple barriers that limit the systemic absorption of complex macromolecules after ingestion. Biologics are not only highly sensitive to the harsh environment of the gastrointestinal tract, but, as very large molecules, their permeability across the intestinal mucosa is extremely poor. Research in the area of oral delivery of biologics has a long and rich history, and the proliferation of biologics in recent decades has further accelerated the research activity. Significant advances in drug research and development are herein reviewed first to set the background for a critical consideration of the economic sustainability of biologics and small molecules, why biologic drugs are more expensive, and how drug cost often influences patient access to one drug class over the other. Also strongly emphasized is the need for the drug-making, especially the biopharmaceutical, industry to consider a reassignment of priorities so that more patients can enjoy the great benefits that come with blockbuster drugs, many of which are of biological origin but extremely expensive. A balance between the efficacy of wonder-performing drugs and the patient's financial ability to access them must be established to obliterate the crippling effect of the high costs of drugs on the poor majority of patients – those who cannot afford them.

Keywords: Biologics, small molecule drugs, biosimilars, antibody-drug conjugates, patient access to drugs, drug cost.