Sirus and GSK extend collaboration on neuropathic pain
UK company Sirus Pharmaceuticals has extended an existing research collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline based upon promising results in models of neuropathic pain.
UK company Sirus Pharmaceuticals has extended an existing research collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline based upon promising results in models of neuropathic pain.
Sirus is applying its proprietary polymer expertise and Axonal Transport technology to a proprietary GSK analgesic compound. Sirus' axonal targeting technology gives the potential for high concentrations of drug at the intended site of action thereby increasing therapeutic benefit without dose-limiting side effects.
'The highly encouraging data derived from the use of our technology to deliver a GSK compound in a model of neuropathic pain provides further validation of our drug delivery systems,' said Tom Saylor, ceo of Sirus.
Sirus's Axonal Transport technology allows drugs to be delivered intracellularly to the cell body of the neuron through anatomically targeted intramuscular injection, and is likely to be of use for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with a number of inadequately treated central and peripheral nervous conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. The technology is based on sophisticated polymer chemistry which allows utilisation of molecules which are refractory to solubilisation in aqueous media, and on a targeting agent for site-specific delivery to nerves.
Sirus recently announced a development candidate for neuropathic pain, SGX 355. Its lead product is for breakthrough cancer pain which is expected to be in Phase III clinical development over the next year.