SurModics and NuPathe have entered into a license agreement for drug delivery technology. The companies aim to develop NuPathe’s NP201, the first long-acting treatment available in broadly acceptable dose form that is expected to maintain the potential to provide sustained relief from parkinson’s disease without motor response complications.
NP201 leverages NuPathe’s long-acting delivery (LAD) technology and SurModics’ proprietary biodegradable polymer matrix implant technology to achieve optimal drug release over an extended period of time.
As per the agreement, NuPathe will lead and fund development and commercialization. SurModics will provide technical and manufacturing expertise and will be eligible to receive licensing fees and milestone payments related to development of products for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other clinical indications.
Bruce Barclay, president and CEO of SurModics, said: “The use of SurModics’ biodegradable implant technology is an ideal match in this clinical area, as maintaining desired drug levels are critical for achieving the optimal clinical outcome. We have enjoyed a strong collaboration with NuPathe and look forward to continuing in the development and commercialisation of this important product for patients with Parkinson’s disease.”
Jane Hollingsworth, CEO of NuPathe, said: “We are thrilled to have SurModics as our development partner on this product. SurModics’ technical knowledge coupled with their investments in a new cGMP manufacturing facility were important factors in our decision to execute the license agreement. Thus far, our collaboration has been extremely successful. NP201 has demonstrated efficacy in a validated Parkinson’s model and has the potential to significantly improve the lives of Parkinson’s patients.”