Vectura and Zambon complete licensing deal
06 Jun 2002
Vectura and Zambon complete licensing deal
Vectura Limited (Vectura) and Zambon Group SpA (Zambon) today announced the signing of a collaboration agreement, under which Zambon will license Vectura’s PowderHale™ pulmonary drug formulation technology for the development and commercialisation of a new dry powder inhaler product. Vectura’s PowderHale technology improves the performance of dry powder inhalers by increasing fine particle fractions, delivery precision and reproducibility. Zambon is planning to have its new product into initial Phase I trials during the second half of 2002.
The agreement has been reached following the completion of an initial feasibility study which demonstrated the ability of the Vectura PowderHale technology to achieve the inhaler performance characteristics required by Zambon. Under the terms of the Licence Agreement, which were undisclosed, Vectura will earn licence and milestone fees, as well as royalties on Zambon's sales and sub-licensing revenues.The PowderHale formulations utilise specially selected components termed ‘Force Control Agents’ that modify the interactive forces between the active drug substance and the carrier particles, thus achieving optimal flow properties as well as superior de-aggregation and aerosolisation characteristics. These formulation systems have been successfully applied to a wide variety of therapeutic drugs and inhaler devices.
Zambon has already signed a license agreement with the Danish drug delivery company, Direct-Haler A/S, for the exclusive worldwide rights to develop, manufacture and commercialise Direct-Haler® Pulmonary inhaler in the area of lung diseases. The innovative, monodose, disposable dry powder inhalation device is patented worldwide, and opens a new track of development in inhalation device technology. The innovative device combined with product developed utilising Vectura’s PowderHale technology is expected to achieve improved performance characteristics.
For further information please contact:
Doug Smalley
Head of Business Development
Vectura Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1249 667700
Tel: +44 (0)1249 667701
Email: doug.smalley@vectura.co.uk
Financial Dynamics
David Yates / Lucy Briggs
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 269 7242
