Plant sugar keeps drugs fresh longer
British researchers say the Resurrection plant, which can rejuvenate itself after up to 100 years in intense desert heat, holds the key to radical new ways of storing and administering drugs.
Scientists at Quadrant Health in London discovered the plant produces a kind of natural sugar, trehalose, just before drying out completely. This sugar stops the plant from deteriorating by preserving key molecules. Similarly, scientists believe trehalose may preserve drug molecules to prevent deterioration.
The new technique has endless possibilities for medical use, researchers say. Trehalose could keep unstable vaccines without refrigeration. The sugar could be used to develop pill forms for unstable biotech drugs normally administered by injection. Another possible advantage is that trehalose can be ground into small particles, allowing gradual release, which reduces pain and discomfort associated with some therapies. These smaller particles also require less storage space, ultimately giving pills a longer shelf life.
Future plans include milling trehalose fragments so finely they can be sprinkled into drinks without tongue detection, making medications easier for children and the elderly. Also, respiratory patients may benefit from the possibility of grinding particles fine enough to administer drugs quickly and effectively through inhalers.
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