Biopharma breakthrough heralds ‘on demand’ drugs

The method uses freeze-dried pellets that include all of the molecular machinery needed to translate DNA into proteins, the researchers said.

The pellets, which contain dozens of enzymes and other molecules extracted from cells, can also be stored at room temperature for an extended period of time.

It’s a modular system that can be programmed to make what you need, on the spot

James Collins, MIT professor and lead researcher

To activate, water and freeze-dried DNA is added to the pellets, which begins the process of producing proteins encoded by the DNA.

According to the researchers, this method could form the basis for “on demand” production of drugs and vaccines.

“It’s a modular system that can be programmed to make what you need, on the spot,” explained James Collins, a professor at MIT and lead researcher.

“You could have hundreds of different DNA pellets you can add in the field,” he added.

The researchers have suggested this system could be used to provide medicine in a variety of settings.

“It could be used in a very simple carry kit for health care workers going in the field in developing regions,” Collins said.

“We think it could be very useful for the military, when you’re going out on a mission in the field, or for hikers and athletes going for long hauls. You could even have it in the back of your car as an expanded first aid kit.”

A full account of the research has been published in the journal Cell.