Understanding the physical science of long-acting medicines

Long-acting medicines require the collaboration of many disciplines including pharmacology, biology, pharmacy, drug discovery, formulation, chemistry, and material and clinical science.

The principles underpinning the biological and pharmacological behaviour of long-acting technologies after administration have been studied for many years and several aspects are characterised with different levels of understanding. The role of physical sciences in aiding the success of long-acting medicines is important to determine, and this area has been largely overlooked.

HALo has a programme that aims to unpick some of the fine detail of the materials and physical aspects of long-acting medicines, including their formulation, the impact of ingredients, and how their physical form and nature alter outcomes. We believe that this new knowledge will enable an accelerated development of new therapeutic options.

Additionally, HALo aims to deliver the first proof-of-concept long-acting demonstrations of the potential for medicines that could impact conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, oncology, and cardiovascular disease, where no current options exist for patients.