Nonspecific Binding of Biotherapeutics and the Extracellular Matrix: Implications for Drug Delivery

Introduction: Subcutaneous drug delivery is gaining popularity due to its ease of administration; however, variability in biodistribution across injection sites poses challenges (1). Research has shown that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition in subcutaneous tissue varies by location (2). As biotherapeutics must traverse the ECM to enter circulation, nonspecific binding interactions with the ECM may impede transport. Despite this potential impact on drug delivery, limited research focuses on binding interactions between biotherapeutics and the ECM of the subcutaneous injection environment.