Advances in drug carriers of medicine with Dr. Robert Langer

Robert Langer, ScD is the David H. Koch Institute Professor at MIT, has written more than 1,400 articles,  has over 1,260 issued and pending patents worldwide, and has been awarded the Charles Stark Draper Prize (considered the engineering Nobel Prize). Labelled “one of history’s most prolific inventors in medicine”, he is one of the very few individuals ever elected to the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Sciences.

Langer is also speaking on Advances in Drug Carriers of Medicine as one of the keynotes at this year's TIDES event on 8 May, 2018 in Boston. In this exclusive interview with KNect365 Life Sciences, he explores the opportunities and challenges around regulations and delivery of oligonucleotides and peptides.

What characteristics of genetically engineered proteins, DNA and RNAi make them so effective as drug delivery vehicles?

RL: I would not necessarily say they make effective delivery systems, although albumin has been used effectively and research has been done on others. More importantly, these molecules often require effective delivery systems because of the need for targeting in some cases and to make them last long enough to be effective in other cases.

Where are the opportunities/challenges for industry and academia to collaborate to improve the delivery of oligonucleotides, peptides and other therapeutic modalities?

RL: There are many and I think the ones that make the most sense are high risk, long range  Projects. We have or have had collaborations with industry in such areas as oral delivery of proteins, long term delivery to the back of the eye, and delivery of nucleic acids.

You’ve previously served on the US FDA’s SCIENCE Board.  Can you comment on the regulatory challenges that today’s oligonucleotide and peptide drug developers may face when trying to solve the delivery challenges of macromolecular therapeutics?

RL: I think safety and efficacy are still the key, but depending on the particular molecule there may be more complex analytical or immunological issues.

Congratulations on being named #1 Master of the Bench, Medicine Maker “Power List.”  With so much innovation and research happening in the field of drug delivery, what opportunities over the next 5 years do you see for oligonucleotide and peptide drug developers?

RL: They are enormous. The next 5 years will certainly see the 1st approvals for RNA therapeutics, Alnylam is on the cusp of this already for siRna and Moderna is in some 10 clinical trials for mRna. And the opportunities will increase as innovation will hopefully occur in targeting, non invasive delivery ,and smart delivery systems.

Our readers are well aware of your professional accolades, but may not know much about the man behind the lab coat.  Outside of the lab and classroom, what hobbies do you enjoy in your free time?  

RL: I exercise a lot (I try to do a few hrs a day) in part because I like to eat so much, particularly chocolate. I used to do magic shows for children and I still enjoy magic. And I love to spend time with my wife and children and attend sporting events and go to nice places.

Robert Langer speaking on Day 1 of the annual TIDES: Oligonucleotides and Peptides Therapeutic conference in Boston on May 8-9, 2018. Find out more or register here.