Serina gets US patent for polyoxazoline polymer delivery tech
POZ polymers, chains of 2-substituted-2-oxazoline residues, have been touted as potential, low-viscosity alternatives to polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules used to improve the performance of a wide range of drugs.
However, while much research has been done in this area, prior to the development of Serina’s new production method it has not been possible to make POZ chains that were stable under a variety reactions conditions.
But now, as Serina explained in its new US patent, this problem has been overcome meaning the polymers can potentially be used to deliver a wide range of pharmaceutical products.
“Effective reaction conditions for conjugation of a POZ derivative to a target molecule [drug] frequently vary depending on the nature of the target molecule and the group on the target molecule reacting with the POZ derivative.
Serina’s production method also tackles the issue of synthesising POZ polymers with low polydispersity (PD) values and decreased amounts of impurities produced by unwanted side reactions.
“POZ polymers of various MWs can be produced on commercial scale with lower PD values at a given MW than can be produced using the commercially-applicable methods of the prior art.
“For example, using the methods of the present disclosure, POZ derivatives of 20,000 Da MW or less can be produced with PD values of less than or equal to 1.1.” which is seen as the maximum acceptable level for delivery applications.
Serina CCSO Michael Bentley said: "This patent award validates our invention and design of a novel drug delivery platform and allows Serina the opportunity to advance some of its proprietary ideas towards full development and eventually commercialization."
The firm did not respond to in-Pharmatechnologist.com’s request for more information ahead of publication.
