GSK uses Novozymes\' Veltis half-life extension technology in once-weekly diabetes drug
Novozymes technology used in recently approved Eperzan type 2 diabetes treatment
GSK's diabetes treatment Eperzan (albiglutide) is the first approved drug to use Novozymes' albumin-based Veltis half-life extension technology, according to the Danish biopharmaceutical manufacturer.
Eperzan was granted marketing authorisation last week by the European Commission for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults.
Novozymes says the application of Veltis technology in the drug delivers an extended half-life, which will enable patients to inject only once a week.
We consider this authorisation real proof that Veltis can offer true benefits to patients
'The first approval for a product based on Novozymes' Veltis technology, and marketed by one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, marks a significant milestone for our half-life extension platform,' said Thomas Videbæk, Executive Vice President, Business Development at Novozymes.
'We consider this authorisation real proof that Veltis can offer true benefits to patients, reducing the inconvenience with daily drug dosing.'
Veltis technology is a series of native and engineered human albumins. When combined with a drug candidate it offers the potential for tunable control of therapeutic half-life in a manner previously unachievable with other half-life extension technologies. In particular, Veltis opens the door to weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly dosing regimens.
The technology also offers Novozymes’ other partners, such as Janssen Research & Development, the market's only half-life extension technology using animal-free recombinant human albumin.