Cyclodextrins in Biopharmaceutical Applications

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides composed of glucose units that have a unique structural feature. Due to their torus shape (hydrophobic internal cavity and a hydrophilic exterior), they can form inclusion complexes with hydrophobic drug molecules, effectively improving the solubility and stability of these drugs.

This property makes cyclodextrins valuable in biopharmaceutical applications and more particularly in:

- DSP (ultrafiltration and diafiltration): reduce protein aggregation and particle formation.

- Formulation: stabilizes protein under various stress conditions

Cyclodextrins can protect biologics from degradation, such as light, temperature or enzymatic breakdown, which improves their shelf life. This is particularly important for biopharmaceuticals, which are often sensitive to environmental factors.

By encapsulating poorly soluble biologic drugs within the hydrophobic cavity of cyclodextrins, their bioavailability can be significantly enhanced. This allows for more efficient drug delivery and potentially reduces the required dosage, minimizing side effects. Cyclodextrins have also found applications in drug targeting and controlled release systems. By modifying the outer surface of cyclodextrins, they can be tailored to interact specifically with certain receptors or cells in the body, enabling targeted drug delivery. Moreover, the controlled release of drugs from cyclodextrin complexes allows for sustained and prolonged therapeutic effects, reducing the frequency of dosing.

Cyclodextrins play a crucial role in improving the process, efficacy, stability, and targeted delivery of biologics drugs such as mAbs, viral vectors or vaccines, thereby contributing to advances in the field of medicine.