UCLB signs exclusive global licence with BioKier Inc. for colonic delivery of gut hormone secretagogues

PhloralTM will be used in formulation of an anti-diabetes drug, BKR-013, under development by BioKier Inc. BioKier is developing this novel treatment for type 2 diabetes based on the mechanism by which malabsorptive surgeries for obesity, such as Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, result in expedient resolution of type 2 diabetes in a majority of patients. BKR-013 is L-glutamine formulated for slow colonic release. BioKier’s novel therapeutic will be an oral, once-a-day pill and will address a putative causative factor of diabetes rather than just the symptoms.

George Szewczyk, Chief Executive of BioKier Inc. commented:

“Diabetes is a rapidly growing social and economic health problem. It is also associated with several co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease. BioKier’s novel anti-diabetes drug is designed to capture the anti-diabetes effects seen in gastric bypass surgery by delivering a gut hormone-secretagogue to the colon. The UCL PhloralTM coating, which allows for targeted delivery of pharmaceutical ingredients to the colon, is essential for development of this drug”.

Dr Bill Lindsay, Senior Business Manager for UCLB commented:

“UCLB is pleased to announce another significant licence for delivery of therapeutics to the colon using the PhloralTM technology developed in the laboratory of Professor Abdul Basit at the UCL School of Pharmacy. Proven efficacy in targeting the colon combined with ease of manufacture and scale-up mean that PhloralTM is becoming the method of choice for optimal targeting to the colon. We are excited to be working with BioKier towards a safe and effective diabetes treatment.
 
For further information, please contact Dr Bill Lindsay. [email protected]