A significant breakthrough in pharmaceutical science from Vadodara is set to transform the accessibility and effectiveness of two critical anticancer medications, particularly in regions with limited medical infrastructure. Research led by a city-based scholar has developed advanced formulations that dramatically improve the stability and shelf life of Bortezomib and Pemetrexed.
The Innovation Behind Enhanced Drug Stability
The pioneering work was carried out by Pratik Vora, who earned his PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from Parul University. His research focused on solving a major problem: these potent drugs degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, losing their effectiveness and limiting their use in areas with harsh climates and poor storage facilities. Vora developed a novel freeze-dried formulation that tackles this instability head-on.
The results from rigorous testing are compelling. Even after being subjected to harsh conditions for six months, the new formulation retained over 99% of its medicinal strength. This is a marked improvement over existing marketed versions, which typically maintain around 95% potency under similar tests. Once the freeze-dried medicine is mixed for patient use, its usable life extends beyond 72 hours. Current products often begin to lose their therapeutic power within just 24 hours of reconstitution.
Tripling Usable Life and Securing an Indian Patent
This extension is critically important for patient safety. Medicines are generally considered unsafe if their effectiveness falls below 90%. Since the new formulation maintains strength for so much longer after mixing, it offers healthcare providers a window almost three times greater than current options. Furthermore, tests conducted at the cellular level indicated that the formulation not only lasts longer but may also provide improved biological activity, suggesting potential for better treatment outcomes.
"The shelf life, which was earlier limited to about two years, can now be extended up to three years," stated inventor Pratik Vora. This groundbreaking research has already secured an Indian patent. While Vora is the inventor, the patent is jointly held by Parul University president Dr. Devanshu Patel, research guide Rakesh Patel, and Abhay Dharamsi.
Path to Commercialisation and Global Impact
The institution has highlighted the project's broader significance. Dr. Geetika Madan Patel, Vice President of Parul University, noted that the research underscores the university's commitment to tackling pressing global healthcare challenges. Pratik Vora, who now leads the intellectual property rights division at a pharmaceutical company, confirmed that the technology is ready for the next phase.
The formulation is now poised for commercialisation and can be adopted by generic drug manufacturers. This step is crucial for translating the laboratory success into real-world impact. Wider production by generic companies could lead to more affordable and accessible versions of these stabilized drugs, especially benefiting patients in remote or tropical regions where reliable refrigeration and storage are constant hurdles.
This innovation from Vadodara represents a vital step forward in oncology care, promising to ensure that life-saving cancer treatments remain potent and effective from the manufacturing facility to the patient's bedside, regardless of geographical and infrastructural barriers.
