Parenteral Formulations Based on Albumin Particulate Technology

Over the years, nanoparticle drug delivery systems have demonstrated versatile potentials in biological, medical and pharmaceutical applications. In the pharmaceutical industry nanotechnology research has mainly focused on providing controlled drug release, targeting their delivery to specific organs, and developing parenteral formulations for poorly water soluble drugs to improve their bioavailability. Achievement in polymer industry has generated numerous polymers applicable to designing nanoparticles. From viewpoints of product development, a nanocarrier material should meet requirements for biodegradability, biocompatibility, availability, and regulatory approval crieteria. Albumin is indeed a material that fulfills such requirements. Also, the commercialization of a first albumin-bound paclitaxel nanoparticle product (Abraxane<TEX>$^{TM}$</TEX>) has sparked renewed interests in the application of albumin in the development of nanoparticle formulations. This paper reviews the intrinsic properties of albumin, its suitability as a nanocarrier material, and albumin-based parenteral formulation approaches. Particularly discussed in detail are albumin-based particulate injectables such as Abraxane<TEX>$^{TM}$</TEX>. Information on key roles of albumin in the nab<TEX>$^{TM}$</TEX> technology and representative manufacturing processes of albumin particulate products are provided. It is likely that albumin-based particulate technology would extend its applications in delivering drugs, polypeptides, proteins, vaccines, nucleic acids, and genes.