Dowpharma and BMS sign agreement for drug solubilisation feasibility studies
Dowpharma, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, has agreed to apply advanced particle engineering technologies designed to deliver solubilisation benefits to drug compounds from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Dowpharma, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company, has agreed to apply advanced particle engineering technologies designed to deliver solubilisation benefits to drug compounds from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.
Studies conducted under the agreement will determine if Dowpharma's BioAqueous solubilisation services can have a favourable effect on performance of the candidate compounds. The agreement funds feasibility studies and includes provisions for milestone and royalty payments to Dowpharma based on successful progression of the compounds toward regulatory approval and commercialisation. Neither financial details of the agreement nor the identity of the compounds were disclosed.
'BioAqueous solubilisation services are receiving wide interest among pharmaceutical companies,' said Nick Hyde, business director, Dowpharma. 'Companies know they can turn a challenging drug compound into a real win if solubilisation difficulties can be overcome.'
Technologies developed by Dow show the ability to alter particle size, surface area or morphology to create nanostructured particles that can improve a drug's ability to dissolve in the body. Based on the specific challenges of a particular drug compound, an initial feasibility study employs Dow's portfolio of advanced particle engineering technologies to develop customised solutions to meet the desired performance objectives of the compound. Beyond a feasibility study, BioAqueous solubilisation services include sup-port through all stages of development, optimisation, and production of clinical supplies.
'Advanced solubilisation technologies can potentially enhance both ongoing drug candidate development and the value of drugs currently on the market,' said Dr Ronald L. Smith, executive director of exploratory biopharmaceutical research and stability for Bristol-Myers Squibb's Pharmaceutical Research Institute. 'This agreement expands our portfolio of options to apply technology solutions to address drug solubilisation challenges.'