LIPIteq formed to develop liposomal systems
The spin-out from Deliverics will focus on therapeutic delivery of these systems
A new company has been formed from Deliverics, spin out from Edinburgh University in Scotland, which aims to use novel technologies to fight cancer and other diseases.
Called LIPIteq, the new firm will develop liposomal systems, the supramolecular assemblies that can be filled with drugs to target the cells of diseased tissue.
Deliverics has already discovered and commercialised two liposomal products and will continue to develop r&d kits for life science researchers enabling them to deliver molecules into and onto cells.
LIPIteq will market the Deliverics technology in the pharmaceutical sector.
‘The biodegradable delivery systems that Deliverics has developed are ideally placed to transfer into the pharmaceutical sector,’ said Steve Howell, chief executive of Deliverics.
‘Our technology is being used in research labs around the world and spinning out LIPIteq to focus on therapeutic delivery was a natural next step.’
The team at Deliverics will support LIPIteq to transition the technology for therapeutic use.
Jim McCormack has been appointed as chief executive of LIPIteq. He said LIPIteq’s focus is to discover and develop novel liposomes as clinically safe and effective drug delivery systems.
‘There is a huge potential for a new generation of therapeutics based upon the delivery of nucleic acid and protein-based reagents into the cells of diseased tissues, but first the major problem of intracellular access in patients needs to be solved,’ he said.
‘LIPIteq is well placed to address this key issue from its start-point advantage of being able to grow out from the unique and proven biodegradable liposomes technology platform established by Deliverics.’
LIPIteq expects its products to enter their pre-clinical phase within two years.
McCormack added: ‘We are now seeking to raise £1.5m from investors and potential collaborators for LIPIteq to be able to exploit fully this exciting opportunity.’
