XstalBio seeks partners for inhaled protein delivery technology

Partnership opportunity

XstalBio Ltd, a spin out from the universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde, Scotland is seeking partners for its protein-coated microcrystal (PCMC) technology for delivering protein drugs through the lungs.

The technology involves attaching proteins such as insulin to nanoparticles that are so small they can be inhaled, allowing the drug to enter the body via the lung.

The technology is still to be tested in clinical trials, but could enable the inhaled delivery of insulin and other protein drugs that currently require an injection .

In addition, the nanoparticles are stable at temperatures as high as 40 degrees Celsius, which would avoid the need for refrigeration of protein drugs.

XstalBio Ltd recently signed a licensing agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH that will involve the construction of a  manufacturing plant capable of producing large quantities of sterile PCMC suitable for clinical trials. The company also has a collaboration with the biopharmaceuticals manufacturer Avecia Biotechnology plc to apply the technology to the development of an anthrax vaccine.

There are other applications, and XstalBio is looking for pharmaceutical and biotech partners for licensing and co-development of the PCMC technology for their proprietary molecules.