The two companies will collaborate on the development of the technology, which allows researchers to create nanoparticles of defined size, shape, surface chemistry and composition.
Abbott will be using the technology to develop delivery methods for small interfering RNA, which has so far proved problematic for researchers.
Neal Fowler, CEO of Liquidia, said: “Delivery has been the most significant hurdle to realising the broad potential of siRNA therapeutics. We are very pleased to form a partnership with Abbott, which we hope will enable significant progress in addressing this problem.
“By combining Abbott’s research and development capabilities with Liquidia’s particle design and delivery expertise, we hope to enable the use of siRNA for therapy and provide more targeted, effective treatment options for cancer patients.”
Liquidia claims that PRINT can create nanoparticles with precisely controlled parameters, which confers a range of benefits to the resulting delivery vehicle.
Nanoparticles created using PRINT can have active or passive targeting, carry large therapeutic loads and cross biological blockades, such as cell membranes and the blood-brain barrier, according to Liquidia.
The company also claims PRINT can produce nanoparticles that have improved solubility and controlled dissolution rate and that release their therapeutic load in response to specific stimuli.
By creating custom nanoparticles Liquidia believes that it can create therapeutics with improved safety, efficacy and dosing requirements.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.