Inyx to acquire novel platform technology to improve inhalation drug delivery

US-based drug delivery specialist Inyx has signed a letter of intent to acquire a patented, novel platform technology that will enable it to develop inhalation-therapy drugs, including combination drugs, delivered in aerosol formats.

Inyx expects to complete the acquisition within 60 days. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The company is acquiring the technology from Phares Technology, the parent company of Phares Drug Delivery, based in Muttenz, Switzerland, which developed and patented the technology. Phares has already successfully utilised the technology in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic products.

The technology uses a novel, lipid-binding matrix for delivering incompatible or unstable drug substances to mucosal membranes. Inyx intends to use it as part of its aerosol pharmaceutical development programme to improve the delivery of inhalation-therapy drugs and to overcome delivery incompatibility for combination drugs. The global market for these products is estimated to be worth more than $10bn a year. As part of the agreement with Inyx, Phares will provide related product development and technology support.

'The use of combination drug therapy is an increasing trend today. However, while many drugs work well in tandem biologically in the body, often there are molecular structural incompatibility problems that prevent the use of a single, combined delivery,' said Dr Jack Kachkar, chairman and ceo of Inyx. 'This technology gives Inyx a third, proprietary technology platform and complements our other areas of expertise.'