Specialist API CDMO Neuland Laboratories (Neuland) has announced a new development partnership with Canada-based biotech LIR Life Sciences Corp (LIR Life), to advance its cell‑penetrating peptide (CPP) platform.
In this new agreement, Neuland will develop, test and manufacture CPPs to support pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies, as well as Phase I formulations for LIR Life's transdermal GLP‑1/GIP programme.
LIR Life is developing a patch-based, transdermal delivery system for GLP-1 obesity therapies.
Unlike traditional injectable formulations, the platform is designed to enable non-invasive administration, potentially improving patient adherence and broadening access.
Currently, no transdermal GLP-1 therapies have been approved, positioning this approach as a potentially significant innovation in the treatment landscape.
"We are excited to engage Neuland's expertise in peptide development and manufacturing at both small- and large-scale," said Edward Mills, CEO of LIR Life Sciences.
This partnership enables us to advance our CPP platform with the precision and consistency required for early-stage development.
The collaboration builds on Neuland's recent investments in peptide infrastructure, including a new $20m process development laboratory and a multi-phase commercial peptide manufacturing facility at its Bonthapally campus in Hyderabad.
The first module of the peptide facility — representing a $30m investment and a capacity of 6370 litres — is set to become operational by mid-2026.
"This collaboration reflects the rapidly rising demand we see for CDMO's that can advance complex peptide targets, particularly as new delivery technologies emerge," said Saharsh Davuluri, CEO of Neuland Laboratories.
LIR Life's transdermal approach represents a novel application of GLP-1 therapies and we look forward to supporting the development of their CPP platform through our integrated peptide capabilities.