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Liposomal technology revolutionises pharma and nutraceutical industries in India
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Nandita Vijayasimha, Bengaluru
May 08 , 2024
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Indian pharma & nutraceutical industries see liposomal technology as a game-changer with the potential to improve drug efficacy and patient safety. This is particularly significant in the development of targeted therapies for conditions like cancer, where precise delivery of medication to specific cells or tissues is crucial. Currently, there are around six major manufacturers of liposomal products in the country which is expected to grow with the technology's increasing acceptance.
According to Dr. Chaitra Prasad, director, Samarth Biorigins LLP, liposomal technology is revolutionizing the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries in India by optimizing the delivery and effectiveness of various active ingredients. There is also a notable shift toward indigenous manufacturing of production equipment and essential lipids like phospholipids and cholesterol.
This innovative encapsulation technique within lipid vesicles enhances water dispersion, absorption, and bioavailability, playing a crucial role in targeting specific cells, stabilizing active ingredients, and reducing side effects to maximize therapeutic outcomes, she added.
Although liposomal technology was initially adopted by the dairy industry, it now encapsulates a broader spectrum of nutrients including vitamins, proteins, peptides, and herbal extracts, effectively overcoming solubility and bioavailability challenges. Post-Covid-19, the technology has seen a 40% increase in clinical trial registrations, reflecting a surge in its acceptance and the recognition of its potential to enhance drug efficacy and patient safety, Dr Prasad told Pharmabiz in an email.
Additionally, the market for related testing equipment such as particle size analyzers and dissolution apparatus is also expanding, indicating a robust development ecosystem for liposomal technology, pointed out M Suresh, head sales & marketing, Samarth Biorigins LLP.
But despite the positive growth, Suresh said that new manufacturers face significant challenges, including high development costs and extensive time requirements due to the technology's complex nature. Additional hurdles include dependency on imported specialized equipment, a shortage of trained personnel, and complex regulatory requirements for new drug approvals, he stated.
To this end, the Bengaluru-based Samarth Biorigins, part of the Mumbai-headquartered Samarth Life Sciences said that it is utilizing state-of- art liposomal technology to work with vital ingredients such as lactoferrin, vitamin C, glutathione, curcumin, coenzyme Q10, iron, and multivitamins. With advanced manufacturing processes like freeze-drying, the company ensures rigorous quality control. Extensive testing enables assessing the final pharma or nutraceutical product’s size, shape, encapsulation efficiency, release profile, and overall safety and efficacy, using animal models, cell line studies, and clinical data. In fact, such comprehensive characterization helps predict its performance in the body. These ingredients can be used in various formulations, including capsule filling, tablets, mouth-melt granules, effervescent tablets, gummies, syrups, and soft gels.
The support extended from developing the right formulation combination with the scientific backup facilitates the much-needed success in a competitive market. As the industry continues to evolve, the adoption of liposomal technology in India reflects a broader trend in the global pharmaceutical and nutraceutical arena. As research and development in this field continue to progress, we can anticipate further innovations and applications that will contribute to the advancement of healthcare and nutrition in India and internationally, said Suresh.
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