Oral delivery of macromolecules such as peptides and proteins remains one of the major challenges in drug delivery. Despite considerable advances, barriers including gastrointestinal degradation, limited permeability, food effects and exposure variability continue to limit broader adoption of oral macromolecules.
Successful oral delivery of macromolecules has the potential to improve the treatment experience for patients, reduce reliance on injection- based administration pathways, and broaden access to therapies.
As the field matures, the focus is increasingly shifting from whether oral delivery can work to understanding which approaches are most likely to translate into robust, scalable and commercially viable medicines. No single technology is likely to address all barriers associated with oral delivery of macromolecules. Progress may depend on combining complementary approaches, with distinct technologies addressing different aspects of the challenge, including gastrointestinal stability, permeability, food effects, exposure variability and manufacturability. As a result, collaboration across academia, biotechnology companies, technology developers and pharmaceutical R&D organizations remains critical.
Johnson & Johnson invites external innovators, academic leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and ecosystem partners to a hybrid scientific engagement event in the Netherlands focused on device- and formulation-based technologies for oral delivery of macromolecules.
*This event will be in-person in the Netherlands with a virtual broadcast for remote participants.