Bioprogress signs agreement with Cambridge

BioProgress has signed an agreement with Cambridge University Technical Services, which gives BioProgress an exclusive eight month option to evaluate new film technology developed by the department of chemical engineering at Cambridge University for applications in soluble film.

BioProgress has also agreed the substantive terms under which it can exclusively license and commercialise this technology, which is the subject of a patent application, including sub-licensing it where appropriate.

The option relates to micro-capillary films which can contain non-aqueous liquids in small capillary tubes running through the film and could contain pharmaceutical, medicinal and supplement products as well as agrochemicals, releasing the liquids as the film dissolves.

The film in this case is extruded rather than cast, in a process developed by Cambridge University which also forms part of the first patent application. In addition to the first patent, BioProgress also has exclusive rights to license any further patents which arise or derive from the initial patent application.

Commenting on the agreement Graham Hind, chief executive of BioProgress, said: 'This is another potentially exciting technology which complements our Soluleaves, Wafertab and Foamburst technologies. We are delighted to be working with Cambridge University with its global reputation for scientific excellence. We have always had a clearly stated strategy to whenever possible secure the rights to protected technologies which complement our existing core offerings enabling us to maintain a leading position as a provider of soluble films and processes, thereby ensuring we can offer our customers a unique range of innovative and patent protected added value solutions.