Isis signs exclusive worldwide drug delivery licence with Oxford Nutrascience

4th February 2011

Oxford Nutrascience Group plc has signed a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement with Oxford University Innovation Limited, the technology transfer company wholly-owned by the University of Oxford, to develop and commercialise products utilizing a novel drug delivery technology.

The drug delivery technology, which has been developed by Professor Dermot O’Hare and his research group at the University of Oxford’s world renowned chemistry department, provides for outstanding taste masking, enhanced drug stability and potential for tuneable drug release properties.

Very significantly, the technology is applicable to a broad range of pharmaceuticals including major drug categories such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and statins.

Recently Oxford Nutrascience has been developing taste masking for ibuprofen, a popular pain relief drug that is available over the counter (OTC), using Oxford University Innovation’s drug delivery technology. The company has recently established proof of concept for the taste masking of ibuprofen, which has removed the typical burning sensation on the throat. Following the signing of the licence with Oxford University Innovation, Oxford Nutrascience is now proceeding to develop “no burn” chewable and liquid ibuprofen products which it intends to commercialise via the OTC and prescription markets.

Oxford University Innovation’s drug delivery technology is currently protected by a patent granted in the UK, Germany and France and an application has been made for the US. The company is sponsoring research at the University of Oxford and is looking to file further patent applications during 2011.

Marcelo Bravo, Executive Chairman and Chief Technology Officer commented, “Licensing this technology from a strong academic partner such as the University of Oxford gives Oxford Nutrascience significant firepower to innovate and extend the lifecycle of existing branded generic medicines and soon to be off patent APIs. “The superior taste masking of ibuprofen and ease of formulation delivered by Oxford University Innovation’s drug delivery technology will enable us to develop next generation ibuprofen products for markets worldwide.”

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