Nanotech could improve protein delivery

The goal of the collaboration - with a company that specialises in drug delivery systems - is to evaluate the use of Access' nanoparticle aggregate technology for the controlled release of water-soluble proteins.

The company says it has already demonstrated that these proteins can be incorporated into the aggregate in a simple cost effective manufacturing process using aqueous solutions at room temperature. Moreover, the release of the protein from the aggregate can be tailored to meet the desired profile, allowing delivery lasting from several days up to a theoretical six month period.

In preclinical animal studies, the ability to control the release of the protein for periods of three months and greater has already been established.

One of the key advantages of Access' nanoparticle technology is that it can substantially reduce the 'burst release' of the protein, which occurs with other delivery systems. This can lead to too much of the protein being released early on after administration, which could affect its efficacy and create a safety problem. Access technology should provide a smoother release of the drug over time.

The company maintained that the ability to load the protein in a cost-effective manufacturing process without using solvents or polymerisation - and to tightly control the drug release profile - are potentially competitive advantages over other protein delivery technologies.