31 January 2025
As part of a recent collaboration which arouse from one of opnMe’s Molecule for collaboration projects, we had the chance to speak to Carla Castellar Álvarez, scientific manager at Nanomol Technologies in Spain. The company specializes in delivering advanced solutions to obtain high-added value products by particle design and nanoformulation1. Carla and the Nanomol team collaborated with scientists from Boehringer Ingelheim's formulation team within the Drug Discovery Sciences department, to find solutions on preparing molecules with poor drug-like properties for subcutaneous application. Together, they achieved great results that propelled the start of a new line of research in subcutaneous drug delivery at Nanomol Technologies and helped to expand the formulation toolbox of Boehringer Ingelheim's formulation team.
opnMe: How has opnMe helped you advance your research?
Carla Castellar Álvarez: opnMe significantly contributed to the success of my industrial PhD thesis, where I developed a sustained delivery system using nanovesicles and polymer matrices. With access to contemporary ("Beyond the Rule of 5") compounds with poor drug-like properties through opnMe, we effectively formulated these challenging molecules. This collaboration has initiated new research at Nanomol Technologies in subcutaneous sustained delivery and deepened our understanding of the challenges developing poorly soluble molecules.
opnMe: What role did opnMe play in the establishment of your partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim?
Carla Castellar Álvarez: opnMe’s Molecule for collaboration project provided us with an opportunity to introduce our company and demonstrate our capabilities to Boehringer Ingelheim, opening the doors for this collaboration with its Drug Discovery Sciences department. Working with the opnMe team and the scientists of the formulation team at Drug Discovery Sciences was a fantastic experience. They were very approachable, supportive, and provided outstanding support while discussing the status and progress of our project. Their willingness to share knowledge and previous experience with sustained release formulations greatly facilitated the advancement and had been critical for success.
opnMe: In what way has opnMe changed your opinion about open science?
Carla Castellar Álvarez: Open science has the potential to drive scientific research at the forefront of scientific discovery by promoting collaboration and transforming ideas into actionable outcomes. In that sense, I think opnMe is a successful open science initiative for several reasons: First, its straightforward application process, combined with timely response, and access to relevant therapeutic molecules. The continuous support provided by the opnMe and the drug discovery science teams, was another important success factor.
opnMe: What other feedback would you like to provide to us?
Carla Castellar Álvarez: For our company, Nanomol Technologies, which specializes in the development of nanomedicines, this collaboration has been invaluable. It initiated a new research line in subcutaneous sustained delivery and deepened our understanding of the challenges large pharmaceutical companies face in developing poorly soluble drugs.
Additionally, it has enabled us to develop a proof of concept for the subcutaneous delivery of compounds that are typically challenging to formulate. We are currently applying this novel formulation platform to develop long acting injectables for small chemical molecules and biologics.
We deeply value this collaboration and are enthusiastic about continuing to work with the opnMe team. We are also eager to explore alternative collaborations with Boehringer Ingelheim that could lead to enhanced patient-centric medicines.
opnMe: Thank you for your kind words, Carla. We are thrilled to be part of this collaborative effort, empowering scientists globally to utilize our molecules and advance their research. Let's continue to explore new possibilities and drive innovation forward. Thank you for your partnership.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated as we add new molecules to opnMe.com.
About opnMe:
opnMe.com, the open innovation portal of Boehringer Ingelheim, fosters science and collaboration initiatives in areas of high unmet medical need. With “Molecules to Order”, we share well-characterized tool compounds free of charge with no IP strings attached. These are complemented by “Molecules for Collaboration” where we offer access to unprecedented molecules, with the chance to get your research proposal funded. With our “opn2EXPERTS” and “techMATCH” programs, we enlist scientific advice on key scientific issues to fuel further drug discovery and deliver novel solutions that benefit unmet patient needs. Our "opn2TALENTS" postdoc grants offer opportunities for high-level talents to propose and conduct innovative approaches for precisely defined scientific questions at one of our research sites.
1 Nanomol Technologies, S.L., Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain - https://nanomol-tech.com/company