The ‘SonoTran’ platform uses ‘sono-sensitive particles’ developed to aid the administration of large cancer drugs from the blood stream by actively pumping the API to, and throughout, a solid tumour using an ultrasound device.
The technology was developed by Oxford, UK-based drug delivery firm OxSonics which has selected contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Juniper to manufacture the Sono-sensitive particles for use in clinical studies from its facility in Nottingham, UK.
The platform consists of a retained ultrasound unit and single-use sono-sensitive particles and works using a mechanism known as ‘inertial cavitation.’
The particles carry pre-formed stabilised gas bubbles which rapidly expand, then collapse, creating a micro-streaming effect. This allows drugs and other particles to be propelled beyond the perivascular space to tumour cells.
OxSonics claims the technology, can be co-administered alongside any cancer drug and has the potential to overcome one of the greatest limitations of solid tumour cancer therapy by delivering drugs throughout entire tumour volumes.
Tech transfer
The SonoTran platform will be transferred to Juniper’s GMP facility where, in close collaboration with OxSonics, the CDMO will “develop, refine and scale-up the process - from lab to clinical trial scale - for the manufacture and formulation of the Sono-sensitive particles,” Juniper’s President Nikin Patel told us.
“Juniper Pharma Services will manufacture the Sono-sensitive particles for use in clinical studies. OxSonics will be responsible for all licencing activities. This is a collaborative agreement and Juniper will support OxSonics, where necessary, with its Clients to push forward the technology.”
OxSonics’ CEO, Colin Story, said he is “delighted” to be working with the CDMO: “Given the innovative and novel nature of our ground-breaking technology, we need to work with a team of experts such as those at Juniper to develop and scale-up the manufacture of the technology.”