NexACT technology enables rectal delivery of biologics
Apricus reveals results of pre-clinical study
Apricus Biosciences, formerly known as NexMed, has revealed the results of a pre-clinical pharmacokinetic study showing the ability of its NexACT drug delivery technology to enable rectal delivery of biologics, such as human antibodies.
Data from the study showed that rectal delivery of Rituxan, formulated with NexACT, yielded similar blood levels of the antibody, compared with subcutaneous delivery.
Genentech and Biogen IDEC currently market Rituxan, which is for treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and rheumatoid arthritis and is delivered either subcutaneously or through three cycles of intravenous infusions in hospital.
Bassam Damaj, chief executive of Apricus Bio, said: ‘This is the only rectal delivery technology that we are aware of that can deliver systemic, fully humanised antibodies in levels comparable to those obtained via the subcutaneous delivery route.
‘A successful reformulation of Rituxan via rectal administration could provide patients with the benefit of avoiding painful intravenous infusions and risks of systemic infection. It could also offer the potential of at-home administration.’
Apricus is backed by a CRO business comprising Bio-Quant and its NexMed USA subsidiary.
