Practical Applications for the Successful Formulation and Lyophilization of Nanoparticles

The use of nanoparticles (under 100 nm) in recent years has increased significantly, with applications in contrast agents in medical imaging, carriers for gene delivery into cells, targeted delivery, prolonging residence times in vivo, aiding in solubility of poorly soluble compounds, transportation of material across the blood-brain barrier, etc. While these materials provide a new, novel means of delivery, the payload they are meant to deliver can still suffer from poor aqueous stability, resulting in degradation and loss of function/activity, etc. Lyophilization has been shown to be an effective tool to stabilize these poorly stable compounds; however, the cryo and lyo stresses associated with lyophilization can have a detrimental effect on the physical and chemical stability of the nanoparticle itself, including aggregation, increase in particle size, releasing payload, etc. Using a combination of formulation and lyophilization techniques, the development scientist can stabilize these particles and their payload to retain the native particle size, prevent aggregation, and ensure that the product is stable over its expected shelf life. This webinar will discuss practical formulation and lyophilization stabilization techniques for these types of products. J. Jeff Schwegman, Ph.D. is currently the founder and chief executive officer of Labyrinth BioPharma (www.lab-bp.com) where he develops formulations, lyophilization cycles, and manufacturing processes for injectable drug products, diagnostics, and tissues for surgery. Additionally, Dr. Schwegman specializes in speaking and consulting in parenteral pre-formulation, formulation, analytical, and lyophilization of both small and large biomolecules. He also holds patents and develops new technologies within the lyophilization field.