Pulmatrix launches iSPERSE inhaled dry powder drug delivery

Published: 20-Jun-2011

Aims to attract several pharmaceutical partners


Pulmatrix, a US clinical stage biotechnology firm focused on therapies for respiratory diseases, has launched iSPERSE, an inhaled dry powder drug delivery platform.

The Lexington, Massachusetts-based firm has completed proof-of-concept validation studies of the technology as well as initial patent filings, and is now advancing a certain number of proprietary iSPERSE drug formulation candidates, as well as seeking partnerships.

The iSPERSE dry powders, manufactured by a one-step spray drying process, comprise proprietary cationic salt formulations optimised for inhalation that Pulmatrix claims have the unique properties of small particle size, high density and high dispersibility. These attributes give iSPERSE the potential to deliver high drug payloads, low potency drugs, and large drug molecules, such as proteins and peptides, the firm says.

Additionally the iSPERSE powders allow for flexible formulation with straightforward manufacturing, supporting small and large molecule drugs, as well drug combinations (including triple drug combinations or higher), and macromolecule drugs at doses well in excess of those achievable by traditional dry powder lactose blend technologies.

‘iSPERSE represents a powerful new proprietary platform to deliver inhaled drugs effectively and safely, enabling the potential for best-in-class and first-in-class local and systemic therapeutic applications,’ said Michael Lipp, vice president of development and IP at Pulmatrix.

Data relating to the technical specifications and delivery capabilities of the iSPERSE technology were presented at The International Society for Aerosols in Medicine (ISAM) in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

In particular, Pulmatrix highlighted data on iSPERSE applications formulated for long-acting bronchodilators and anticholinergics, corticosteroid and multiple LABA/ICS and LAMA/ICS combinations.

To support the development of its own pipeline as well as the iSPERSE partnering programmes, Pulmatrix has developed a range of pulmonary drug formulation capabilities, including: dry powder formulation and manufacturing; dry powder physicochemical properties optimisation; aerosol characterisation and method development; dry powder inhaler selection and testing; and preclinical efficacy/safety testing (in vitro/in vivo).

These capabilities will be offered to iSPERSE partners.

Robert Connelly, chief executive of Pulmatrix, said: ‘In addition to our own proprietary iSPERSE drug programmes, we are pursuing iSPERSE platform partnering opportunities with the goal of attracting several pharmaceutical partners with interest in a range of commercial opportunities for iSPERSE including: novel drugs, drugs not yet formulated for lung delivery, improved delivery of drugs for better efficacy or safety, multi-drug combinations, and branded generic products.’

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