Talk Details · PDDS 2025

FAST nanotechnology: A novel platform for drug development and beyond

Keynote · Day 3

Abstract

About this talk

The bioavailability crisis remains a major bottleneck in drug development, particularly for hydrophobic compounds such as paclitaxel and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Paclitaxel, a first-line chemotherapeutic, is extremely water-insoluble and is currently marketed mainly as Taxol® (paclitaxel in Cremophor EL/ethanol) or Abraxane® (albumin-bound nanoparticles). Both formulations have limitations—Cremophor EL is associated with severe hypersensitivity reactions, while albumin-bound systems require costly, complex manufacturing. MPA, widely used in oncology and women’s health, is typically delivered as oil-based intramuscular injections or oral tablets, both of which suffer from poor solubility, variable absorption, and high-dose requirements. FAST (Facilitated Self-Assembling Technology) represents a paradigm shift. This excipient-free, water-based process enables lipophilic drugs to self-assemble into stable, amorphous nanoparticles, dramatically enhancing dissolution and bioavailability while eliminating toxic carriers or surfactants. Applied to paclitaxel, FAST could offer safer, potentially oral or low-toxicity IV options. For MPA, FAST may enable consistent, lower-dose formulations with improved pharmacokinetics, supporting both therapeutic efficacy and patient adherence. Beyond oncology and hormone therapy, FAST is broadly applicable to drug candidates, existing drugs, nutraceuticals, antimicrobials, and CNS-active agents, aligning with clean-label and sustainability trends. This presentation will review preclinical data, market feasibility, and future outlooks, demonstrating how FAST can transform drug delivery across therapeutic categories.

Speaker

About the speaker

Stephen Hsu

Stephen Hsu

Augusta University, United States

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