Opportunities and Considerations for Inhaled Biologics

Development of biologics continues to increase, with a substantial portion of pipeline molecules falling under this umbrella. Although injections remain a common delivery route, inhaled biologics are growing their share of the development pipeline. These therapies have the potential to expand treatment options across a wide range of therapeutic areas, from lung infectious diseases to acute and chronic lung and systemic diseases. Inhaled vaccines also present a valuable opportunity within this space.

To take full advantage of these benefits, a thorough understanding of the unique considerations for inhaled biologic development is key. From small and large peptides and proteins to RNA and gene-based therapies and more, the inhaled biologics space presents a wealth of opportunities for growth, but there are also key considerations that must be addressed. Developing biologics that can withstand formulation and delivery via inhalation is a complex process, requiring specific capabilities and expertise.

Register for this webinar today to gain insights into the current and future trends, opportunities and considerations for the development of inhaled biologics.

Speakers

John Patton, Head Kindeva SAB, Kindeva Drug Delivery

John Patton is a drug delivery scientist and entrepreneur with extensive experience in biotech and the development of new inhaled medications. He serves as Executive Chairman, Co-Chairman, Director and Advisory Board Member for multiple companies, where he uses his deep expertise in drug delivery science and engineering to build state-of-the-art drug delivery products that will make a difference to the widest possible patient groups.

After leading the drug delivery team at Genentech for five years, where he helped pioneer inhaled biologics, he founded/co-founded four inhalation companies: Inhale/Nektar Therapeutics (the recipient of the Wall Street Journal’s Medical Innovation of the Year in 2006 for Exubera, the first FDA-approved inhaled Insulin); Dance Biopharm (now Aerami Therapeutics); InCarda Therapeutics and iPharma Labs Inc. (acquired by Kindeva in 2022). John has more than 110 publications and is (co)inventor of more than 50 patents.

Message Presenter

Keith Ung, Director and Bay Area Site Head, Kindeva Drug Delivery

With over three decades of industry experience, Keith Ung is an expert on inhalation infrastructure setup and characterization of pulmonary and nasal drug delivery systems. In his role at Kindeva Drug Delivery, he oversees the Bay Area facility, leveraging extensive expertise in in vitro characterization of spray-dried peptide and small molecule powders and pulmonary delivery systems in support of proof-of-concept, preclinical and clinical studies.

Keith was previously the CEO, President, Director and Founder of iPharma Labs Inc., a pharmaceutical inhalation contract research organization providing drug discovery, product development, life cycle management and product testing from feasibility to commercial inhalation pharmaceutical product services. iPharma was acquired by Kindeva Drug Delivery in 2022. Keith’s previous experience spans a variety of positions across drug development, and he earned his PhD from the University of Sydney.

Message Presenter

Andy Clark, President and General Manager, Aerogen Pharma Corporation

Andy Clark is a seasoned pharmaceutical executive, with over 35 years of experience in respiratory drug development. His experience includes managing the development of some of the pharmaceutical industry’s most novel inhalation products, including Pulmozyme^® (the first inhaled protein), Exubera^® (the first inhaled insulin) and Tobi Podhaler^® (the first inhaled dry powder antibiotic).

Some of Andy’s past roles include Site Head at Novartis’ pulmonary drug development site in San Carlos, CA; CTO at Nektar Therapeutics; General Manager & Director at Bradford Particle Design and Head of the Pulmonary Product Development Group at Genentech. Over his career, Andy has received the Young Investigator Award (ISAM), the Thomas T. Mercer Award (AAAR) and the Charles G. Thiel Award (RDD) all for “outstanding contributions to aerosol science.”

Message Presenter

Jeff Weers, Chief Technology Officer, Cystetic Medicines, Inc.

Jeff Weers is a physical chemist with a broad multidisciplinary scientific background and 30 years of experience in colloid-based research and development. As Chief Technology Officer at Cystetic Medicines Inc., he leads the early development of amphotericin b cystetic for inhalation (ABCI), a novel genotype independent therapeutic intended to restore anion transport in cystic fibrosis patients caused by Class I and other rare mutations for which there are currently no targeted therapies.

Jeff has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and is a prolific inventor with more than 70 issued US patents. His inventions (e.g., the PulmoSphere™ technology) have contributed to six approved respiratory products. He was named a Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) and the International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM). Jeff has received numerous awards including the Charles G. Thiel Award (RDD) and Alexander Fleming Award (London Business School). Jeff earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of California, Davis.

Message Presenter