Description:
Reference Number:1710
Background
A major problem in the development of medicines is that ~40 - 60% of new
drugs discovered are poorly water-soluble. This project exploits a recent
Strathclyde invention of a novel method of increasing the solubility and / or
the dispersibility of poorly water-soluble drugs and hydrophobic particles. The
technology, which will be used initially in the formulation and delivery of
medicines, offers vast commercial potential as the drug delivery market is
currently estimated to be worth ~£20bn worldwide with an annual growth rate of
between 10% - 20%.
Technology
This technology shows considerable advantages over the best currently
available. It achieves improved performance using a renewable biodegradable
material with exploitable biological properties, and a simple energy efficient
production method. The outcome of this project will provide a Scottish base to a
new venture commercializing the technology to supply not only the global
pharmaceutical industry but also a plethora of other industries requiring
solubilisation or suspension of particles in aqueous media.
Key Benefits
- The formulation uses renewable starting materials without further chemical
modification
- The formulation is organic solvent free
- The formulation increases the ease of administration e.g. for children and
the elderly
Markets and Applications
Potential markets include excipient manufacturers supplying pharmaceutical
companies; pharmaceutical companies themselves investigating drug discovery and
formulation and the NHS where hospitals formulate medicines for those unable to
take tablets orally. The invention also has vast potential outwith the
pharmaceutical industry as solubility and suspendability problems are
encountered in the cosmetics, food and paint industries.
Licensing and Development
A patent application is being filed and the technology will be available for
licence at the end of the Proof of Concept funding period in June 2010. Contact
is welcomed from organisations interested in developing, licensing or exploiting
this technology.
For further information, please contact Research & Knowledge Exchange
Services:
e: rkes@strath.ac.uk t: 0141 548 3707 f: 0141 552 4409
This project has received assistance from the Proof of Concept Programme
managed by Scottish Enterprise. The Proof of Concept Programme supports the
pre-commercialisation of leading-edge technologies emerging from Scotland's
universities, research institutes and NHS Trusts.