INJECTABLE DRUG SYSTEM WITHOUT REFRIGERATION
With the injectable drug delivery market projected at $1.04 Trillion by 2032 (cagr 10.2%), up to 50% of vaccines and biologics are discarded due to cold chain failures, costing billions and limiting access for 2.7 Billion people worldwide.
A transformative solution has been developed at the University of Glasgow – room temperature storage and delivery of biologics using gels. This pioneering project has the potential to disrupt the traditional cold chain system for the storage and delivery of biologics, ultimately improving access to essential therapies across the globe.
The protein stabilisation technology addresses a clear and urgent need in the biological therapeutics and research industries by significantly reducing reliance on cold chain storage and transport, improving protein stability and enhancing accessibility. The technology eliminates refrigeration needs, cutting costs, expanding access, and reducing environmental impact. Savings and impact from the technology will be realised within the broader protein stabilisation supply and value chains, first in the API global supply chain (2023: $247.8bn, 2029: $347.9bn, CAGR 5.9% BCC, 2024) and the BioPharma CDMO global value chain (2023: $128.0bn, 2029: $191.6bn, CAGR 7.0% BCC, 2024).
contact: innovation@glasgow.ac.uk
THE TEAM
The innovation is led by a Professor from the School of Chemistry, and the team has extensive experience with hydrogels and biological macromolecules. This team also has a track record of commercialising innovation and are supported by a commercial champion, setting a solid foundation for future spinout and investment opportunity.
MEDTECH INNOVATION FUND SUPPORT
The MedTech Innovation fund has been a catalyst for the invention, allowing the team to undertake validation steps and map out a clear regulatory / commercial pathway. The funding has also helped to scope several key target customers, including Therapeutic Biologics Manufacturers, Vaccine Developers, Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs) and Pre-clinical Antibody Suppliers. These markets need innovative solutions to extend shelf-life, enhance functionality, and eliminate cold-chain dependencies. This groundwork has helped to de-risk the project. The team is now working to secure further commercialisation support and make necessary spinout preparations.
FINAL OVERVIEW
Room temperature storage and delivery of biologics using gels is groundbreaking technology which the team at University of Glasgow aim to bring to the market and is currently TRL 4-5. The technology disrupts the cold chain system with pioneering innovation that enhances healthcare outcomes globally.