DSM obtains exclusive world-wide license for innovative drug delivery technology

Mar 12 2009

Royal DSM N.V. has announced that DSM Biomedical obtained an exclusive world-wide license for a unique drug & biologic delivery system developed by MediVas LLC, a San Diego based biomedical company.

Integrated into DSM's Trancerta Drug Delivery platform, this will open up a broad range of opportunities for next generation drug delivery. DSM's activities in this field are a perfect illustration of the way DSM is leveraging its competences in Materials Sciences into Life Sciences applications.

MediVas' technology for the delivery of biologics and drugs is based on a next generation set of polymers exclusively licensed from Cornell University. Generated from research both at Cornell and at MediVas, the company has an IP portfolio containing over 60 issued or pending US patents. The polymers are biodegradable, biocompatible and bioabsorbable. Furthermore they are non-inflammatory and allow greater control over the rate and duration of release of their therapeutic payload.

The technology can be used with a diverse group of drug candidates, from proteins, peptides and nucleic acids to small molecule drugs, thus expanding the possible application areas of DSM's Trancerta platform. The license DSM obtained applies for the development of drug delivery systems aimed at treating ophthalmic, (cardio)vascular, musculoskeletal diseases and at providing general pain relief. MediVas will focus its development efforts on nanoparticle based therapies in oncology, immunology and on the delivery of nucleic acids.

"Through this deal we bring in the first biodegradable polymer into DSM's Biomedical portfolio, which significantly enhances our materials competences. This will help us realize our ambition to build a portfolio of drug delivery systems tailored at the specific needs of the health industry. MediVas' technology is already proven in two clinical studies which should allow us to accelerate the commercialization of our drug delivery technologies in partnerships with Pharma, Biotech and Medical Device Companies," said Steve Hartig, President of DSM Biomedical.

"The license with DSM is an ideal strategic fit which will accelerate the efforts of MediVas to commercialize our novel biopolymer technology. DSM's extensive materials expertise and broad industrial capabilities provide MediVas with a valuable partner in advancing our respective projects through the clinic. We look forward to working closely with DSM in applying our technology to meet the rapidly increasing demand for improved drug and biologic delivery systems," commented Kenneth Carpenter, Chairman and CEO of MediVas.

http://www.medivas.com and http://www.dsmbiomedical.com