MonoSol Rx, Midatech collaborate to develop peptides for therapeutic delivery utilizing pharmaceutical films

MonoSol Rx, the developer of PharmFilm® drug delivery technology, today announced the expansion of its agreement with Midatech Group (Oxford, UK) to develop nanoparticle-based proteins and peptides for therapeutic delivery utilizing pharmaceutical films. Under the terms of the expanded agreement, MonoSol Rx has made an equity investment in Midatech and Keith Kendall, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of MonoSol Rx, will join the Midatech Board of Directors.

Commenting on the agreement, A. Mark Schobel, President and CEO of MonoSol Rx, said, "We have strengthened our collaboration with Midatech on the heels of positive data indicating the successful delivery of a 6000 dalton polypeptide in a pre-clinical model.  Having demonstrated that the size and chemical composition of Midatech's biocompatible nanocarriers are ideally suited for oral delivery using our PharmFilm® technology, we are continuing to jointly research and develop nanoparticle-based oral film formulations of certain peptides and proteins that are currently limited by their need to be injected or infused."

Professor Tom Rademacher, Chairman of Midatech Group said, "We believe that MonoSol Rx's PharmFilm® technology is a stable and effective vehicle for delivering a therapeutic dose of our peptide carrying nanoparticles buccally or sublingually for specific indications, thereby eliminating the need for injection or more invasive delivery. The synergy of our two technologies is particularly valuable in indications that can only be treated with injectables, as well as for certain proteins and peptides competing with small molecules for market share."

Since 2008, MonoSol Rx and Midatech have been leveraging the self-assembling glyconanoparticle and PharmFilm® technologies to formulate large molecules for oral bioavailability on film. PharmFilm® formulations under the collaboration have the potential to provide an easy-to-use, noninvasive delivery alternative to many of today's injectable and intravenous therapeutics.

Keith Kendall said, "The expansion of this agreement further solidifies the commitment between MonoSol Rx and Midatech.  We also believe that our collaborations with Midatech will reap significant benefits as we work on our development initiatives and execute our plans to jointly file IP to protect the combination of our two technologies in the oral delivery of large molecules.  I am looking forward to working more closely with Midatech to help create value for both companies."