Kevin Pritchard
CSO NnOptima Limited
Formerly Head of Protein Science at AstraZeneca, previously Head of Protein Science at Cambridge Antibody Technology. 20 Years’ pharma and biotech experience in protein and small molecule therapeutics, peptide and protein design.
Seminars
Tuesday 27th January 2026
Unpacking the Challenge: Delivering Peptides Without Compromising Bioactivity
1:00 pm
Despite their therapeutic potential, peptides continue to present a complex puzzle when it comes to sustained delivery, especially within the constraints of the intravitreal and suprachoroidal spaces. This workshop will explore why sustained peptide delivery has remained elusive, and what formulation innovations, especially around suspension dynamics, molecular engineering, and modular platforms, may finally unlock success.
Key Topics to be Explored:
- Why peptide therapeutics have failed to achieve long term-delivery in the vitreous, and how new strategies are beginning to shift the paradigm
- Investigate how stabilizing peptides in suspension can mitigate degradation, reduce burst release, and improve duration without requiring encapsulation or PEGylation
- Modifying peptide structure or charge to enhance targeting and penetration without compromising bioactivity
- Discuss emerging modular formulation systems that allow developers to tailor peptide delivery to the needs of specific compounds, accelerating translation from discovery to clinic
Thursday 29th January 2026
5 Advances in Biodegradable Platforms: Balancing Controlled Release, Safety, & Patient Convenience
12:45 pm
- Exploration of degradable materials that clear completely from the eye, emphasizing biocompatibility, control over burst release, and the ability to implant repeatedly as needed for chronic conditions
- Learn about shear-thinning peptidic gels for fine-needle injectable vitreal delivery; composed entirely of short chains of natural amino acids having modular functional properties; delivers unmodified biologics, including proven antiangiogenic proteins
- Discover the formulation using industry-standard media at neutral pH and dissolution of a matrix that does not require hydrolysis of any covalent bonds
- Uncover drug retention and release rates tuneable by rational modification of gel structure, ionic and hydrophobic properties, and designed drug-peptide interactions; high capacity for large protein drugs
