Nanoform Process Enables High-Concentration Antibodies
A new non-aqueous suspension method aims to exceed the current 200 mg/mL industry limit for antibody drug formulations.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Biotech
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Nanoform has developed an evaporative particle engineering process that enables non-aqueous antibody suspensions with concentrations exceeding 400 mg/mL. This research-stage technique aims to overcome the viscosity and stability limits that currently prevent antibody concentrations from surpassing 200 mg/mL in conventional aqueous solutions.
Why it matters
High-concentration formulations are critical for subcutaneous delivery of antibodies, but protein-protein interactions currently trigger aggregation and extreme viscosity. This process offers a method to bypass those physical constraints, potentially enabling smaller injection volumes or longer-acting drug formulations.
The process produces dense, spherical particles at temperatures below 50 °C, which are then suspended in a non-aqueous vehicle that exhibits shear-thinning behavior. This approach sustains concentrations above 400 mg/mL, compared to conventional aqueous methods that face exponential viscosity increases between 100 and 200 mg/mL.
The players
Nanoform
A drug delivery and nanotechnology firm focused on particle engineering to improve the bioavailability and formulation stability of therapeutic molecules.
The details
The engineering process begins by nebulizing a liquid antibody feedstock into a drying chamber where particles move against gravity to form dry powders. These particles are assigned an electrostatic charge for collection and subsequently placed into a non-aqueous vehicle. Unlike water, this carrier is designed to decrease in viscosity under shear stress—the force applied during needle injection—allowing for delivery of high-density protein loads without the mechanical resistance typically seen at high concentrations.
Timeline
October 24-28, 2026: The technology was presented at the AAPS PharmSci 360 conference in New Orleans.
The Tech Race
For years, the industry has hit a wall as high-concentration aqueous solutions face exponential viscosity growth and aggregation risks. By shifting to non-aqueous vehicles, Nanoform is attempting to leapfrog the established constraints that currently limit the 50 marketed antibody products with concentrations above 100 mg/mL.
This development is currently in the research stage and does not yet impact patient care or drug manufacturing workflows. Its successful implementation could eventually lead to reduced injection volumes or less frequent dosing schedules for patients using antibody-based therapies.
The takeaway
The move to non-aqueous vehicles represents a fundamental shift in how high-concentration biologics are physically handled. Watch for future disclosures on the long-term colloidal stability of these particles to see if this method successfully transitions from research to clinical development.
Further reading
For more on the current state of drug formulation and delivery, visit Biotech.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BioPharm International.
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