Novel Peptide Delivery With Revolo's Woody Bryan, Ph.D.
Dec 2, 2024
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Woody Bryan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Revolo Biotherapeutics, dives into the innovative realm of peptide therapeutic delivery. He shares his transition to CEO and the bold strategic decision to shift the administration method for peptide candidates targeting allergies and autoimmune diseases. The discussion highlights the evolution of drug delivery methods, focusing on subcutaneous administration and the patient-centric approach. Bryan also outlines the importance of collaboration, early research data, and the upcoming clinical trials set to redefine their therapeutic landscape.
Dr. Woody Bryan's leadership transition at Revolo has aligned operational goals with drug development, significantly advancing their lead asset in allergy treatments.
The shift to subcutaneous delivery for peptide therapeutics represents a strategic innovation that enhances patient compliance and positions Revolo competitively against existing therapies.
Deep dives
Leadership Transition at Revolo
Dr. Woody Bryan's leadership transformation at Revolo has been significant since he joined as chief business officer in 2020, ultimately becoming CEO in early 2024. His experience in drug delivery and corporate strategy has been pivotal as he aligned the company’s operational goals with drug development needs. Under his guidance, Revolo’s lead asset, 1104, has advanced from a preclinical phase to completion of five human studies, signaling a robust pipeline in allergy and autoimmune disease treatments. This substantial evolution showcases the company's progress and potential growth in a highly competitive biopharmaceutical landscape.
Innovative Drug Delivery Methods
A major development in Revolo's approach has been the change in administration routes for their lead candidate, 1104, which is a linear peptide for allergy treatment. Initially trialed intravenously, the company identified opportunities for subcutaneous and potentially sublingual delivery based on early animal model data suggesting favorable efficacy. This shift to subcutaneous delivery, informed by competitive analysis against existing therapies like injectable monoclonal antibodies, is expected to offer patients a more convenient treatment option, enhancing compliance and safety. The prospect of a potential oral formulation may further revolutionize patient experience by addressing preferences for easier administration.
Addressing Challenges in Drug Development
Transitioning to new drug delivery methods involves considerable challenges, particularly around formulation and convincing stakeholders of their viability. Dr. Bryan emphasized the necessity of solid scientific data to justify the investment in these new routes of administration, as historical attempts to deliver peptides orally have often failed. By leveraging existing technologies and knowledge from previous formulations, Revolo streamlined the development process. Engaging with healthcare providers to understand their insights on patient needs also played a crucial role in validating the company’s strategic direction.
Future Outlook and Clinical Pathway
Looking ahead, Revolo plans to conduct a larger phase 2B study for 1104 targeting eosinophilic esophagitis and is set to expand its clinical trials for atopic dermatitis in early 2025. The company aims to utilize all available data to attract funding and establish partnerships, acknowledging the importance of demonstrating safety and efficacy to build investor confidence. With multiple dosing strategies being explored, Revolo is positioned to offer innovative treatments that could disrupt current market dynamics. The excitement within the team reflects a commitment to tackling unmet medical needs in allergy and autoimmune therapies.
Revolo Biotherapeutics President and CEO Woody Bryan, Ph.D. is pushing the boundaries of peptide therapeutic delivery. On this episode of the Business of Biotech, we dig into Dr. Bryan’s transition to the CEO chair at the company and how that coincided with an aggressive strategic decision to alter the course of administration of its peptide candidates in allergic and autoimmune diseases. That decision didn’t come lightly and its execution wasn’t easy, but it was an important one for the future of the business. Tune in as Dr. Bryan tells us why they did it, how they did it, and the foundation that decision laid for the company’s growth.
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