Combined computational modeling at different scales to understand peptide drug and excipient co-localization
Improving our knowledge of the mechanisms behind efficient co-presentation of permeability enhancers and peptide drugs.
Details
- Funder: Vinnova
Research scientist: Benyamin Naranjani, MSc
Principal investigator: Associate Professor Per Larsson, Department of Pharmacy, Uppsala University
Scientific and industrial context: The use of transient permeability enhancers to increase small intestinal delivery of biological drugs has regained in interest with a number of fatty acid-based excipients currently being explored. However, bioavailability remains low and variable.
Aim: To create a multi-physics simulation code to simulate interactions intestinal fluids, permeation enhancers and peptide drugs in response to contractions of localised intestinal segments, with application to distortion, transport and differential diffusion of different molecules.
Outcome: With knowledge of the mechanisms behind efficient co-presentation of permeability enhancers and peptide drugs, delivery systems for can be designed with high specificity. In the end, this will reduce variability and increase bioavailability of orally administered peptide drugs.