The shelf life and effectiveness of two widely used anticancer drugs—Bortezomib and Pemetrexed—are set to improve significantly following a major research breakthrough by a city-based scholar. The development could enable wider access to these critical medicines, particularly in regions with limited cold-chain infrastructure and challenging climatic conditions.
Innovative Formulation Addresses Stability Challenges
Pratik Vora, who completed his PhD in pharmaceutical sciences from Parul University (PU), developed advanced drug formulations to overcome a key limitation of these medicines—their rapid degradation when exposed to oxygen. To address this issue, he created a novel freeze-dried formulation that substantially enhances drug stability.
As a result, the new formulation remains effective for much longer than existing versions currently available in the market.
Superior Performance Under Harsh Conditions
As reported by TOI, during six months of stability testing under harsh environmental conditions, the new formulation retained more than 99% of its potency. In contrast, comparable marketed formulations retained around 95% of their strength.
Moreover, once reconstituted for clinical use, the drug remained effective for over 72 hours. Existing products, however, typically begin losing potency within 24 hours. Since medicines are considered unsafe if their effectiveness falls below 90%, the new formulation offers nearly three times longer usable life after reconstitution.
Improved Biological Effectiveness
In addition to enhanced stability, cell-based studies demonstrated improved biological performance of the reformulated drugs. These findings suggest that the innovation may also translate into better therapeutic outcomes for patients.
Extended Shelf Life and Patent Recognition
According to Vora, the shelf life of the drugs, previously limited to about two years, can now be extended up to three years. The research has also received an Indian patent, underscoring its novelty and commercial potential.
While Vora is the primary inventor, the patent is jointly held with Parul University President Dr. Devanshu Patel, research guide Rakesh Patel, and Abhay Dharamsi.
Institutional Support and Commercial Potential
Commenting on the achievement, PU Vice President Dr. Geetika Madan Patel said the research reflects the university’s commitment to addressing global healthcare challenges through innovation.
Currently heading the Intellectual Property Rights division at a pharmaceutical company, Vora noted that the technology is ready for commercialisation. He added that generic drug manufacturers can readily adopt the formulation, potentially improving access to effective anticancer treatments across diverse healthcare settings.