Hyaluronic Acid Nanogel: A Next-Generation Excipient for Injectable Formulations to Prolong Drug Release and Enhance API Solubility

Tuesday, November 11, 2025

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM CT

Location:Spotlight Stage C, Aisle 3800, Exhibit Hall

Sponsored By

Chalk Talk Presenter(s)

Yoshiyuki Nakagawa, PhD (he/him/his)

Assistant Manager
Asahi Kasei Corporation
Fuji-shi, Shizuoka, Japan

Handouts

Description: This presentation introduces a next-generation excipient for injectable formulations that is currently awaiting first-in-human trials: hyaluronic acid nanogel. This excipient comprises nano-sized hydrogel particles (20-100 nm) capable of encapsulating a wide range of APIs, including biologics, through simple mixing in aqueous solution—without causing denaturation. It enables subcutaneous sustained release of APIs via in-situ depot formation and significantly enhances the solubility of poorly water-soluble APIs, with solubility increases exceeding 100,000-fold in certain cases.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, participants will understand a cutting-edge approach utilizing a novel pharmaceutical excipient to modulate the release profiles of lead APIs—especially biologics—without denaturation, and will gain insight into the underlying release mechanisms.
Upon completion, participants will learn about a novel solubilizer that dramatically enhances the solubility of poorly water-soluble APIs, including cyclic peptides, and will understand its effect on their pharmacokinetic profiles.
Upon completion, participants will gain insight into the significance of the hyaluronic acid nanogel in comparison to established excipients such as PLGA microparticles and polysorbate 80.