Ascendia® Makes Maiden Voyage to Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting March 10-14

Ascendia^® Pharmaceuticals has been a prominent contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for more than a decade. This year, however, Ascendia will make its debut at the 2024 Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting (SOT), scheduled for March 10-14 in Salt Lake City.

Ascendia is investing time and talent to establish a direct presence at one of the most esteemed gatherings in the toxicology field. Our participation reinforces our commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing the evolving needs of the industry.

Goal No. 1: Building Connections with Toxicologists

For Ascendia, the decision to attend SOT stems from its recognition of the pivotal and growing role toxicologists play in shaping drug development strategies. Ascendia leadership is eager to engage directly with toxicologists to make them aware of Ascendia’s track record of successful projects and how that experience can help them with their upcoming drug development needs.

Historically, in-person referrals and insights have been mutually beneficial and instrumental in shaping Ascendia's trajectory within the industry. This maiden voyage to SOT presents a prime opportunity for Ascendia to forge deeper connections and gain invaluable insights into toxicologists' evolving needs and challenges so Ascendia can serve as a valued partner from development through commercialization.

Blood-Brain Barrier Challenges Common to Biopharma

One specialty area for the Ascendia team is formulation studies to assess blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Biopharma drug development teams encounter various challenges and complexities, including ensuring that the formulated drugs can effectively cross the BBB.

The BBB is a highly selective and protective barrier that regulates the passage of molecules from the bloodstream into the brain tissue. Achieving adequate BBB penetration is crucial for the efficacy of drugs targeting neurological disorders and central nervous system diseases.

Formulation scientists face the task of developing drug delivery systems that enhance the bioavailability and solubility of compounds intended to traverse the BBB. A case-in-point is formulations for liquid-filled hard-shell capsules.

Drug development teams frequently prefer liquid-filled hard-shell capsules in animal models, particularly beagles, as regulatory agencies like the FDA often prefer beagles for assessing BBB penetration. However, selecting the appropriate dosage form tailored to the specific characteristics of the drug compound and the target indication poses significant technical and logistical challenges.

Furthermore, the need to optimize dosing regimens to minimize the risk of systemic overload and potential adverse effects compounds the complexity of BBB penetration studies. Administering excessively high doses to small animals — rodents, for example — can lead to systemic overload, making it difficult to discern whether observed effects are attributable to the drug compound or the experimental conditions.

This issue underscores the importance of fine-tuning formulation strategies to achieve optimal drug concentrations within the brain while mitigating systemic toxicity. That takes an experienced team of scientists, such as those at Ascendia, utilizing advanced technologies offered by Ascendia.

Answering Inquiries, Heading Off Development Delays

Biopharma companies often turn to CDMOs with specialized expertise in formulation development, such as Ascendia, to address these challenges early in the drug development process.

Answering a shared desire to save time, dosage supplies, and precious investor dollars in early-phase drug development studies is one of many reasons to stop by the Ascendia booth (#2422) at SOT in March.

Ascendia's proactive approach to addressing early-phase development challenges sets it apart as a trusted partner for biopharma companies navigating the intricate landscape of preclinical research. By offering a diverse array of dosage forms and leveraging its formulation expertise, Ascendia empowers toxicologists and drug developers with tailored solutions that optimize drug concentrations, mitigate systemic toxicity, and streamline the transition from bench to bedside.

By fostering open dialogue and collaboration with Ascendia scientists, companies can leverage their expert insights and technical capabilities to optimize formulation designs and enhance the likelihood of success in BBB penetration studies. Proactive engagement can help mitigate the risk of repeated failures and facilitate the efficient translation of promising drug candidates into clinical development, ultimately advancing the field of neuropharmacology and improving patient outcomes.

Ascendia’s Unique Expertise in Formulation Development

At the heart of Ascendia's appeal lies its expertise in formulation development, particularly in BBB penetration studies. One Ascendia specialty is crafting formulations tailored to enhance the bioavailability and solubility of compounds targeting neurological disorders and central nervous system diseases. With a focus on utilizing liquid-filled hard-shell capsules for canines, including the FDA-preferred beagle model, Ascendia stands at the forefront of advancing innovative drug delivery solutions for complex therapeutic challenges.

SOT 2024: An In-Person Opportunity to Collaborate

In an ever-evolving landscape where innovation reigns supreme, Ascendia stands as a beacon of excellence, poised to redefine the boundaries of possibility in pursuing safer, more efficacious therapies.

As pharma and biopharma professionals converge at SOT to exchange knowledge and explore cutting-edge advancements in toxicology and drug development, Ascendia extends an open invitation to stop by booth #2422 and initiate conversations that transcend conventional boundaries. Our seasoned team of experts stands ready to collaborate, innovate, and chart new frontiers in formulation science.

By fostering meaningful dialogues and exploring collaborative avenues, prospective clients can harness Ascendia's expertise to navigate the complexities of early-phase development, mitigate common pitfalls, and translate promising drug candidates into clinical reality. Join Ascendia at SOT and embark on a transformative journey towards shaping the future of drug development.