APR acquires nanotech drug-delivery platform

Switzerland-based Applied Pharma Research has acquired a new platform technology consisting of a patented Nano-coating process for the  preparation of new patent-protected biotechnology products for the  treatment of several critical diseases in multiple therapeutic areas.  APR is already developing specific applications of the resulting  products in ophthalmology and dermatology. Financial terms of the  transaction were not disclosed.

"We decided to acquire this new platform technology when we understood  the great potential of combining a process based on Nano-coating  technology to totally biological compounds to obtain products with  powerful healing capabilities and minimal side effects or tolerability  issues," said Paolo Galfetti, chief executive of APR. "The products  based on this new technology may unlock new therapeutic solutions to  unmet needs in several critical therapeutic areas," he added.

APR has already performed several in vitro and in vivo preclinical tests  studying the critical features of the first product obtained with the  patented process, including its chemical analysis, stability,  toxicology, safety and efficacy with positive and promising results.  Also a Phase II study in surgically-induced wounds has been performed  with excellent results: APR is now ready to enter the first clinical  studies in eye wound and cataract healing.