Understanding Small vs. Large Molecule APIs: Key Differences and Their Roles in Medicine
Comparing Small and Large Molecule APIs: Their Role in Drug Development and Medical Treatments
While researching the Pharma Sectors, I searched for terminologies and jargon. I was searching for the definition of “API” one day, hoping to learn more about its role in medicine. But when I typed API into the search bar, it felt like I had entered a tech conference. Everything was about Application Programming Interfaces — a term from the world of software development. Frustrated, I thought, “No, I’m not here to debug code! I want to understand the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient.
That’s when I realised that APIs in medicine are just as crucial as APIs in technology — they are both the core components driving their respective systems. So, let me simplify this and take you through the fascinating world of pharmaceutical APIs.
So!! What is an API?
It is the main ingredient contained in a medicine that is required to provide a desired effect is called API. Think of it as the superhero doing all the hard work to save the day. In layman’s terms, People also call it “Churan” in Hindi, which works to treat or prevent Illness.
Any medicine mainly consists of 2 main components-
1. Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (Key ingredient)
2. Excipient — It’s a non-active substance that helps API to deliver its therapeutic effect and help in the formulation, manufacturing, stability, and delivery of the medication
Types of API And their Role?
APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) can be categorized based on their structure, size, and function. However, the two most widely used types in the pharmaceutical industry are:
Small Molecules
Large Molecules
What are Small Molecule APIs?
It is a type of active ingredient used in medicines that is made up of tiny, simple chemical compounds. These molecules are small in size (usually with a molecular weight of less than 900 Daltons) and are typically created through chemical processes in labs or factories.
Key Points:
Size: Small, simple molecules that are easy to make and handle.
How They Work: They can easily enter cells in the body and interact with targets like enzymes or receptors to treat diseases.
Forms: These are often found in tablets, capsules, or oral medicines.
Examples: Paracetamol (for pain and fever), Aspirin (for pain and inflammation), Ibuprofen (for reducing pain and swelling)
Role:
Small molecule APIs are used to treat a wide variety of conditions, such as infections, pain, inflammation, and chronic diseases. They are versatile, stable, and cost-effective, making them the foundation of many pharmaceutical treatments.
What are Large Molecule APIs?
A large molecule API is a type of active ingredient used in medicines that is much larger and more complex than small molecules. These are typically made from biological sources like living cells (e.g., bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cells) using advanced biotechnological processes.
Key Points:
Size: Large and complex molecules, usually proteins, antibodies, or other biological substances.
How They Work: Large molecules generally act outside cells, targeting specific areas in the body like the bloodstream or the surface of cells. They usually can’t enter cells directly.
Forms: Often administered through injections or infusions because they can’t be taken by mouth (they would be broken down in the digestive system).
Examples: Insulin (for managing diabetes), Monoclonal Antibodies (like Rituximab, used to treat cancers and autoimmune diseases), Vaccines (like those for COVID-19)
Role:
Large molecule APIs are used in the treatment of conditions that small molecules can’t address effectively, like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders. They are highly targeted and often provide more specific and powerful treatment options.
So, Now you know, when you search for “What is API?” and stuck upon tech definitions, don’t get discouraged. Behind those search results lies another API story of healing!!
Stay Tuned for More!!