Zhigao Niu
Senior Scientist & Innovation Lead, Novo Nordisk
Efforts to improve the SNAC-based formulations for oral peptide delivery
Abstract
The current strategy for oral peptide delivery relies on the use of permeation enhancers (PEs). Despite the clinical success of a few peptide drug candidates, their overall bioavailability remains suboptimal. Our experience indicates that the local concentration of PEs is critical for enhancing the absorption of therapeutic peptides. However, most PEs are derived from fatty acids, which have limited solubility under physiological conditions. An example of this is SNAC, the enhancer utilized in the oral Semaglutide product.
To address the solubility issues associated with SNAC, we have explored various approaches while also aiming to promote a rapid onset of action to improve the current dosing conditions. We have assessed both liquid formulations, such as ionic liquids, and new solid tablet formulations in preclinical setups. The promising candidate has since been progressed to clinical evaluation. Additionally, factors that are likely to influence the performance of PE-based formulations as well as those contributing to clinical translatability issues will be shared.
Bio
Zhigao Niu holds a PhD (2016) in Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Santiago de Compostela, where his research focused on polymer and lipid-based nanoparticles for oral peptide delivery. Currently, Zhigao works at Novo Nordisk as Senior Scientist and Innovation Lead, responsible for external collaborations on new technologies covering oral biologics, long-acting injectables, high-dose/high-viscosity formulations, and tissue targeting, among others.
Zhigao's expertise and research interest involves advanced drug delivery systems and drug-device combinations for proteins, peptides and nucleic acids. He is an inventor of 3 patent families, and his work has been published in top pharmaceutical journals including the Journal of Controlled Release, Advanced Materials, ACS Nano, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. He is currently on the editorial board of Drug Delivery and Translational Research, and serves as peer reviewer for over 20 journals.