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news.Aerogen Pharma and Lyomark Pharma have partnered to develop a clinically superior treatment for Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), a life-threatening condition of preterm infants associated with long-term lung health issues in survivors.
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AP-002 is a nasally inhaled surfactant based on a combination of Lyomark's Alveofact® (bovine lung surfactant) and Aerogen's next generation "PDAP™" delivery technology.
The partners expect AP-002 to set a new standard in the treatment of RDS, since it will enable surfactant administration via the nose and complement current first line therapy with nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (nCPAP).
AP-002 is anticipated to reduce the need for sedation, invasive intubation and mechanical ventilation, all features of current surfactant treatment methods associated with adverse side effects and the potential to exacerbate chronic lung disease in preterm infants.
The PDAP™ delivery system is a technical breakthrough based on patented enhancements to Aerogen's market-leading aerosol generator technology, which effectively nebulizes surfactant and enables this potentially major advance in therapy.
Alveofact® is sold as an RDS treatment in 27 countries, with a proven record of safety and efficacy when administered by conventional instillation techniques and class-leading, three-year room temperature stability. Aerogen will adapt Alveofact® for inhaled delivery, and the partners will work together to commercialise and distribute AP-002 around the world.
AP-002 advanced to clinical trials
In a further development, Aerogen Pharma announced the initiation of a Phase 2 clinical study at three major maternity hospitals in Australia. This trial will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of AP-002 relative to standard invasive surfactant administration in preterm infants with symptoms of RDS.
Dr Andy Clark, Vice President and General Manager of Aerogen Pharma Corporation, commented: "We are grateful to the dedicated Australian medical teams involved in our first clinical investigation of AP-002, which has the potential to be a major advance in the care of these precious and highly vulnerable patients".
Lyomark Pharma's Managing Director, Malik Malocho, said: "While surfactant therapy saves lives, today's invasive methods of administration are often associated with adverse side effects that limit its use. We believe that Lyomark's drug and Aerogen's delivery system, in combination, will uniquely benefit patients by avoiding these complications and limitations."
