The technology uses a novel, lipid-binding matrix for delivering incompatible or unstable drug substances to mucosal membranes. Phares, owned by Phares Technology BV, has already successfully used the technology in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmetic products.
In the new deal, New York-based Inyx intends to use the technology as part of its aerosol drug development programme to improve the delivery of inhalation-therapy drugs and to overcome incompatibility for combination drugs, a market estimated to be worth more than $10 billion worldwide.
Jack Kachkar, chairman and CEO of Inyx, explained: "The use of combination drug therapy is an increasing trend today in medicine. However, while many drugs work well in tandem biologically in the body, often there are molecular structural incompatibility problems to prevent the use of a single, combined delivery. This technology will give our company an added competitive advantage in aerosol drug delivery, including the delivery of drug combinations, both for the benefit of our clients and the development of Inyx's own proprietary drugs."
The technology is patented in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and other major European countries. As part of the agreement with Inyx, Phares will provide related product development and technology support. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Inyx's operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiary, INyX Pharma Limited, with R&D and production facilities located near Manchester in England.
Phares Drug Delivery specializes in the formulation of poorly water soluble substances and has developed several proprietary solubilization technologies for the pharma industry and other sectors.