Nanodelivery trials get the go-ahead

Biopharmaceutical company Medlab Clinical (ASX:MDC) has been granted ethics approval to begin two separate human trials using its nanotechnology delivery platform, NanoCelle. The platform, previously developed for cannabis research, converts pharmaceuticals into nanoparticle form.

Medlab’s patented nanotechnology consists of a water-soluble nanoparticle composition adapted for delivery of nutritional and pharmaceutical agents via the buccal and/or nasal mucosa. By bypassing intestinal absorption, the platform enables the production of small, repeatable doses of therapeutics.

The first of the new trials, set to commence in November, will apply NanoCelle to the statin compound atorvastatin (commercially known as Lipitor) for patients suffering high levels of cholesterol. The second trial will apply NanoCelle to an existing insulin compound for type 2 diabetes patients.

“We are only altering the delivery mechanism without changing the molecule, meaning the trials can bypass animal models and move directly to Phase 0, the first clinical trial done among people — with the trials expected to be shorter as a result,” said Medlab CEO Sean Hall.

“Through the NanoCelle platform delivery mechanism, a fraction of the normal dosage is administered, bypassing oral intake and gastrointestinal absorption, which could lead to considerable reduction in pain or other side effects usually associated with the drugs.”

Medlab Clinical (ASX:MDC) shares were trading unchanged at $0.17 as of around 3.30 pm on Thursday.