Phosphagenics signs development agreement with US firm ALZA

Melbourne's Phosphagenics (ASX:POH) has entered into an agreement with US-based ALZA Corp to determine the feasibility of delivering a number of compounds nominated by ALZA using Phosphagenics' patented transdermal delivery system, TPM-01.

"Working with such a big global leader is fantastic and puts us on the radar for proper recognition of the platform," said Phosphagenics executive director Esra Ogru. "We have been informing ALZA of our progress for some time and they have now entered into a formal agreement."

Founded in 1968 by Dr Alejandro Zaffaroni, California-based ALZA is a leading drug delivery company, Phosphagenics said. Its technologies have been incorporated in 30 commercialised products and marketed in more than 80 countries.

"Our technology has previously been tested on a number of drugs, and has successfully delivered insulin, parathyroid hormone, fentanyl, morphine, estradiol, testosterone and atropine across animal skin," said Ogru.

TPM-01 is a non-invasive patient-friendly gel applied to the skin. In April this year, TPM-01 was shown to be effective in delivering morphine into the bloodstream through human skin in a proof-of-concept phase I clinical trial. Phase I trials on the transdermal delivery of insulin with TPM-01 are planned to start in the first quarter of 2006.

"The work with ALZA will run in parallel with our existing program and will be a big part of next year. The majority of the work will take place in Melbourne with close collaborations with ALZA R&D in California, Ogru said.