Strathclyde University: Novel oral drug formulation

Licensing opportunity

Researchers at Strathclyde University, Scotland, have developed a method of processing molecules called cucurbiturils to improve the formulation of drugs.  

Cucurbiturils are of interest in drug formulation because they are macrocyclic molecules with a hollow structure and are capable of acting as containers, binding other molecules within their structures. The name arises because they have a similar shape to pumpkins of the family of Cucurbitaceae.

The researchers have come up with a novel method of processing, formulating and tableting cucurbiturils as excipients in oral drug formulations, to enhance drug formulation. The improved properties have been demonstrated with platinum-based anti-cancer drugs, the cardiovascular beta-blocker atenolol, the diabetes drug glibenclamide; the Alzheimer’s disease glutamate receptor drug memantine and the analgesic/antipyretic drug paracetamol.

This has enabled the researchers to demonstrate enhanced solubility for poorly soluble drugs. In addition, it is possible to mask the taste of drugs, to alter the mechanism of drug uptake and the distribution and retention of drugs in the body

Drugs formulated with cucurbiturils exhibit improved physical stability during manufacture and storage.

This technology has been demonstrated across a broad spectrum of drugs and could be applied to many compounds offering potential for improved handling and manufacturing properties in proprietary drugs and the ability to create new versions of generic drugs, extending product lifecycles.