Title : FAST nanotechnology: A novel platform for drug development and beyond
Abstract:
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.
