The deal is the second R&D collaboration to be struck between the companies. In this case, the compound that is being developed or financial details have not been disclosed.
TIMERx is one of several drug delivery technologies developed by Penwest, which the company uses for in-house development and deals such as the one with Otsuka.
Jennifer Good, Penwest's president and CEO, said: “These collaborations around our proprietary drug delivery technologies are important for us both financially and scientifically.
“The deals give us an opportunity to develop compounds we wouldn't typically have access to and provide financial benefit to Penwest, enabling us to continue developing our own product pipeline.''
TIMERx is an oral controlled release delivery system, which Penwest claims can increase a drug’s efficacy and patient compliance. In addition Penwest claim that use of TIMERx can reduce dosing frequency, minimise side effects and achieve new indications.
Penwest also claims the technology is applicable to a wide range of drugs, across the spectrum of dose requirements and solubilities.
TIMERx is available in three release profiles; Z Order, which releases a drug at a constant rate; 1st order, with which the rate of release slows over time; and Burst CR, which releases the therapeutic in two distinct intervals.