A collaborative pharmaceutical project focused on improving the pathway for developing paediatric formulations has secured an innovation grant worth £600,000.
The UK-wide consortium, led by AstraZeneca, received a grant from the UK’s Technology Strategy Board to help fund a £1m project aimed at accelerating paediatric formulation development through smart design and predictive science.
The consortium includes pharmaceutical analytical development specialist Molecular Profiles with Pfizer, Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline and academic institutions including University College London, University of Bath, University of Birmingham, Aston University and the Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Paediatric formulation development is more complex than that of adult medicines. In addition to considering the differences in physiology and anatomy, they must also offer flexible dosing and provide effective taste-masking.
The consortium's goal is to deliver a novel, commercially available, regulatory approved platform to identify the most appropriate delivery strategy.
Molecular Profiles' Chief Executive Nikin Patel said the collaborative project is 'an ambitious venture aimed at developing a strategic pathway to expedite the development of paediatric formulations, establishing the UK as a global leader in this area'.
He added: 'To be involved with such credible consortium members from both large pharmaceutical companies and academia is exciting for Molecular Profiles. Our team is ready to apply its expertise to assist the consortium in achieving its collective goals.'
The Technology Strategy Board has awarded over £9.2m to support 35 collaborative projects to advance the UK’s capabilities in formulated products. The funding was shared across 19 feasibility projects and 16 collaborative R&D projects. The initial funding was increased by 50% due to the strength of submissions.
