US Army grants BioDelivery Sciences $1.3M for investigating Bioral Amphotericin B

BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (Nasdaq: BDSI) has received a $1.3 million grant from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research for Bioral Amphotericin B, an oral formulation of the fungicidal treatment amphotericin B in BDSI’s patented Bioral drug delivery technology, to further study the formulation in the treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Systemic fungal infections continue to be a major domestic and international healthcare problem. Amphotericin B, which is currently only delivered intravenously, is an established, commonly used drug to treat these infections. BDSI is developing a Bioral formulation of amphotericin B for the potential oral treatment of fungal infections such as Esophageal Candidiasis and parasitic diseases such as Leishmaniasis. Earlier this year, BDSI announced the results of a Phase 1 clinical study of the Bioral formulation of amphotericin B identifying doses that were well tolerated.

“We are delighted to be given this opportunity to continue research on a treatment of such potential importance, especially in a competitive grant environment,” said Dr. David Blum, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Clinical Research for BioDelivery Sciences. “Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is found in many areas of the world and has become a key healthcare issue for U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. If the clinical study program yields positive results, it could potentially result in a significant improvement in the treatment options for this disease.”