Nanoform Finland Plc (“Nanoform”), an innovative nanoparticle medicine enabling company, and Herantis Pharma Plc (“Herantis”), focusing on disease modifying therapies for debilitating neurodegenerative diseases based on the natural body protein CDNF (Cerebral Dopamine Neurotrophic Factor), announces results from the Nanoform Proof of Concept (PoC) project show that the nanoforming process has been successfully applied to Herantis’ rhCDNF drug candidate.
As previously announced in a press release published on 9 February 2021, the objective of the project is to assess the potential of Nanoform’s platform technology to improve administration of rhCDNF via a minimally invasive intranasal spray route. The project includes nanoforming PoC studies to combine Herantis’ intranasally administered CDNF therapy for Parkinson’s disease with Nanoform’s nanoparticle technology.
The PoC project shows that the nanoforming process can be successfully applied to rhCDNF. Most importantly, during the nanoparticle formation process, rhCDNF protein remains stable, retaining its structure, function, efficacy and neuroprotective effects in line with CDNF controls. Having now established that nanoformed rhCDNF nanoparticles retain stability and activity, the project will move on to the next phase – a Proof of Process (PoP) study to further refine the size and shape of the nanoformed rhCDNF nanoparticles and evaluate biodistribution following intranasal delivery.
“We are excited with these initial results that show Nanoforming is effective with Herantis’ rhCDNF program. This PoC study with Herantis Pharma’s rhCDNF further validates the wide applicability of Nanoform’s technologies to a diverse range of molecules. We look forward to now moving into a PoP study and further nanoforming activities as rhCDNF continues its development,” said Christian Jones, Chief Commercial Officer of Nanoform.
“This was a key milestone to achieve as part of our broader intranasal administration project for rhCDNF, one of only a few clinical stage assets focused on disease modification of Parkinson’s disease. The ability to nanoform the rhCDNF molecule improves the chances of success for intranasal administration and creates additional possibilities to impact the lives of patients. We very much look forward to progressing the work with Nanoform,” said Dr. Craig Cook, CEO of Herantis Pharma.