Genzyme and Brookwood to collaborate on peptide drug delivery

Genzyme Pharmaceuticals of Cambridge, Massachusetts, US, and Brookwood Pharmaceuticals of Birmingham, Alabama, US, are to jointly develop novel drug delivery solutions, with an initial focus on peptide delivery.

Rather than promoting a specific technology, the partnership will offer customised solutions for parenteral formulations using both companies" expertise in design for peptide delivery, peptide synthesis, and drug delivery technologies.

First the companies will look to optimise peptide physical and chemical properties early on in drug development, to match a peptide with the properties of microparticles, implants and other formulations required for optimal drug delivery.

The drug delivery company Brookwood Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Southern Research Institute, has formulation and scale up laboratories, as well as experience in a wide range of drug delivery systems, with particular depth in long-acting parenterals, such as microparticles and solid implants.

Dan Hayden, senior vice-president and general manager of Genzyme Pharmaceuticals, said: "Combining Brookwood's strengths with Genzyme's expertise in custom GMP peptide development and manufacturing provides a powerful service to peptide drug delivery customers".

In the longer term, other new drug delivery technologies will be developed from the portfolio of novel materials and technologies owned by Genzyme and Brookwood.