Peptides are challenging compounds and while therapeutic peptides exhibit superior specificity and potency compared to small molecules, their inherent physicochemical properties (high molecular weight, enzymatically labile, hydrophilicity, and low permeability) have hampered attempts to deliver them via the oral route. Efforts to successfully overcome these challenges have focused on leveraging the possibilities afforded by peptide engineering to address shortcomings in their native composition, coupled with design of a formulation which is tailored to the specific needs of the peptide.
Join Stephen Buckley of Novo Nordisk for an in-depth overview of the integrated approach employed in the discovery and development of oral semaglutide, a GLP-1 analogue coformulated with the absorption enhancer sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) aminocaprylate] (SNAC) in a tablet. During this free interactive 1.5 hour broadcast, discover how this coformulation provides unique, site-directed release and absorption in the stomach and effectively surmounts inherent challenges relating to solubility, molecular size, and proteolytic lability to achieve therapeutically relevant plasma exposure of semaglutide.
What You Will Learn
- Challenges associated with delivering peptides such as GLP-1 via the oral route
- Necessary strategy to employ to effectively overcome these challenges and develop an oral GLP-1 peptide drug product (oral semaglutide)
- Detailed mechanistic understanding of how semaglutide is absorbed upon oral administration