The agreement covers the development of a sustained-release formulation of VasoGenix’s calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) using QLT’s Atrigel biodegradable sustained release drug delivery system.
Under the terms of the agreement VasoGenix has contracted with QLT to develop the delivery system for CGRP and VasoGenix has the option to acquire an exclusive worldwide royalty-bearing license.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr G Lee Southard, chairman and CEO of VasoGenix, said, “The release of CGRP from an Atrigel depot promises to provide sustained regulation of important hemodynamic parameters essential to improving patient outcomes and significantly reduce the economic burden of the disease on the health care system.”
QLT’s Atrigel is currently being used for the delivery of the company’s prostate cancer treatment, Eligard. It is also being studied in conjunction with various drugs to evaluate its use in indications such as bone regeneration, obesity, and psychosis.