Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces Oral Drug Delivery Research Collaboration
DALLAS, Sept. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- ACCESS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (Amex: AKC - News) today announced that it has entered into a research collaboration in oral drug delivery with the Celltech Group plc (NYSE: CLL; London: CCH), of Slough, England.
The goal of the collaboration is to develop oral drug delivery options for Celltech's monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments using Access' proprietary vitamin B12 oral drug delivery technology. In preclinical studies, this technology has already demonstrated its potential to facilitate the absorption of proteins following oral administration. Currently, administration of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and antibody fragments is possible only by parenteral methods.
Specific financial terms of the collaboration have not been disclosed. Under the terms of the Agreement, Celltech has been granted rights to license the Access technology for a defined number of antigens. Both Access and Celltech retain ownership of their respective underlying oral drug delivery technology and monoclonal antibodies.
The vitamin B12 oral drug delivery technology utilizes the body's natural transport system for vitamin B12. This receptor-mediated process actively transports vitamin B12 from the gut to the blood stream. Access' scientists have found that the attachment of vitamin B12 to drugs, polymers containing drugs, and even drugs encapsulated in nanoparticles provide formulations which are absorbed into the body using the vitamin B12 uptake mechanism.
Commenting on the agreement, Kerry P. Gray, President and CEO of Access stated, "We are excited about the potential of this relationship with Celltech. Extensive preclinical work has been conducted evaluating the vitamin B12 oral drug delivery technology which has demonstrated the potential for this receptor-based oral transport delivery system. Utilizing the vitamin B12 system in combination with our nanoparticle technology offers the potential for the effective oral delivery of macromolecules including monoclonal antibodies."
Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on developing both novel low development risk product candidates and technologies with longer-term major product opportunities. Access markets Aphthasol®, the only FDA-approved product for the treatment of canker sores, and is developing products for mucositis and other dermatological indications. Access is also developing unique polymer platinates for use in the treatment of cancer and has developed, in conjunction with its partner Strakan, Ltd., the marketed product Zindaclin®, which utilizes ResiDerm®, our topical zinc delivery system that provides rapid delivery and reservoir of a drug in the skin.
Celltech Group plc is one of Europe's largest biotechnology companies, with an innovative development pipeline and a profitable, cash-generative pharmaceutical business. Celltech also possesses drug discovery capabilities of exceptional strength, including a leading position in antibody engineering. More details can be found at www.celltechgroup.com . |
