Hewlett Packard out-licenses drug patch technology to Crospon

USA-based computer and peripherals giant Hewlett-Packard and Irish medical device manufacturer Crospon have entered into a agreement under which the latter will be granted access to the former's novel transdermal drug-delivery patch technology. Crospon will commercialization the product and will make it available to pharmaceutical companies for use in a wide range of therapeutic applications.

The technology is based on the patented process used by HP's inkjet cartridges, and could serve as the basis for a novel time-controlled release delivery mechanism. In an interview reported by ZDNet Asia, Crospon chief executive John O'Dea said that the patch, which is still at the prototype stage, is similar to a "small infusion pump" that incorporates an array of micro-needles capable of penetrating the top skin layer, the stratum corneum.

Although terms of the deal were not provided, it is thought that Crospon, which recently completed a 2.3 million-euro ($3.2 million) seed financing deal with Enterprise Ireland and the Western Development Commission, is likely to pay an upfront fee as well as royalties based on the sale of any products that are successfully commercialized.