The most common way to take medicine is orally, which requires the drug to dissolve and absorbe into the systemic circulation. Oral drugs are often formulated a range of traditional excipients, but a new polymer made from renewable raw materials and patented by Åbo Akademi University (Finland) offers a promising alternative. This is the conclusion of Vishal Kumar’s doctoral dissertation.

Fossil-based synthetic polymers, which currently dominate the pharmaceutical industry, are both functional and advantageous in use. At the same time, concerns about sustainability and environmental impact have accelerated research into renewable polymers as excipients for pharmaceutical products.

Vishal Kumar’s dissertation focuses on the synthesis and characterization of polymers derived from renewable feedstocks, specifically jasmine lactone and δ-decalactone. Jasmine lactone is based on a natural compound found in jasmine flowers. The polymer has been patented by Åbo Akademi University and is intended specifically for drug delivery applications.

In his research, Kumar used jasmine lactone and δ-decalactone to develop oral formulations. He then systematically evaluated their effects on drug loading, particle size, morphology, drug release and therapeutic performance of the prepared formulations.

The results demonstrate that the structure and properties of the tested polymers can be tailored through the choice of initiator and functionalization, enabling their adaptation for carrying various drug compounds.

“The tested formulations showed improved drug loading, enhanced dissolution and release behavior, as well as improved pharmacokinetic performance and therapeutic efficacy of the active pharmaceutical ingredients in all tests. In addition, the developed formulation helped to reduce drug-related toxicity,” says Kumar.

These findings suggest that renewable lactone-based polymers have significant potential as alternatives to conventional fossil-based polymer excipients for oral drug delivery.

Kumar will defend his doctoral dissertation on 2 October 2026 in Turku. The thesis is entitled “Synthesis and Evaluation of Amphiphilic Block Co-polymers Derived from Renewable Feedstocks for Oral Delivery of Therapeutics.” The event is open to the public.

Further information:
Vishal Kumar
telephone: 0466873588
vishal.kumar@abo.fi