Understanding molecular mechanisms of biologics drug delivery and stability from NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

Protein therapeutics carry inherent limitations of membrane impermeability and structural instability, despite their predominant role in the modern pharmaceutical market. Effective formulations are needed to overcome physiological and physicochemical barriers, respectively, for improving bioavailability and stability. Knowledge of membrane affinity, cellular internalization, encapsulation, and release of drug-loaded carrier vehicles uncover the structural basis for designing and optimizing biopharmaceuticals with enhanced delivery efficiency and therapeutic efficacy. Understanding stabilizing and destabilizing interactions between protein drugs and formulation excipients provide fundamental mechanisms for ensuring the stability and quality of biological products. This article reviews the molecular studies of biologics using solution and solid-state NMR spectroscopy on structural attributes pivotal to drug delivery and stability. In-depth investigation of the structure-function relationship of drug delivery systems based on cell-penetrating peptides, lipid nanoparticles and polymeric colloidal, and biophysical and biochemical stability of peptide, protein, monoclonal antibody, and vaccine, as the integrative efforts on drug product design, will be elaborated.

Keywords: Biologics; Biophysical characterization; Drug delivery; Lipid nanoparticles; NMR spectroscopy; Structure-function relationships.