APR acquires nano-coating process for treating diseases in multiple therapeutic areas

Applied Pharma Research (APR), a Swiss drug developer, has acquired a patented nano-coating process for the preparation of biotechnology products used in the treatment of several diseases in multiple therapeutic areas.

APR is already developing specific applications for ophthalmology and dermatology. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

"We decided to acquire this new platform technology when we understood the potential of combining a process based on nano-coating technology to biological compounds to obtain products with powerful healing capabilities and minimal side effects or tolerability issues," said Paolo Galfetti, ceo of APR.

APR has first targeted the treatment of eye injuries, including cataract, chronic and acute infected wounds, including surgically induced wounds and skin and eye infections, where initial tests showed most promising results. Several other applications of this technology are also being studied.

The company has already performed several in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical tests on the first product obtained using the process, including its chemical analysis, stability, toxicology, safety and efficacy, with positive and promising results. The company says a Phase II study in surgically induced wounds has also been performed with excellent results. APR is now ready to enter the first clinical studies in eye wound and cataract healing.

A new company, APR Nanotechnologies, based in Balerno, Switzerland, has been set up to develop these and possible future applications.

According to a 2008 Business Insights report, nanotechnologies have attracted more than US$3bn in funds from government and private investment sources. The global nanotechnology market is forecasted to reach a turnover of more than US$1 trillion by 2015.