September 12, 2007 – Innocoll Technologies Ltd. has entered into a strategic collaboration with TGR BioSciences Pty Ltd. to evaluate the combination of Innocoll's collagen-based drug delivery technology, CollaRx, with TGR Biosciences’ proprietary wound healing compound, TGR-265.
Innocoll's CollaRx technology platform is a biocompatible and fully bioresorbable collagen matrix for localized drug delivery. It is comprised of purified type I fibrillar collagen and can be prepared in the form of a freeze-dried sponge or film-cast membrane using a proprietary manufacturing process. Both CollaRx formats can be surgically implanted or applied topically to wounds, enabling drugs to be delivered locally to the intended site of action and thereby minimize any systemic-related side effects.
CollaRx matrices are biodegraded by natural enzymatic activity and fully resorbed within a few days or up to several weeks according to the local physiological environment. The in vivo release of drug from the CollaRx matrix takes place via a combination of diffusion and natural breakdown of the collagen to provide both rapid and prolonged release, which can be controlled through formulation techniques and processing variables. The CollaRx matrix also provides an initial scaffold for cell migration and proliferation, thereby stimulating production of certain cytokines and growth factors and so itself plays an integral role in the repair and replacement of both hard and soft tissue by accelerating tissue granulation and epithelialization.
TGR-265 is a naturally-derived bioactive protein that has been shown through extensive in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical testing to stimulate the fibrogenic response, production of host type 1 collagen and deposition of extracellular matrix.
Under the terms of the collaboration, Innocoll will incorporate TGR-265 into the CollaRx sponge and membrane formats for further evaluation. TGR BioSciences will fund development of the formulated products.
“This strategic collaboration is indicative of Innocoll’s intention to fully exploit its technology platforms through partnership with innovative biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies looking to deliver their drugs locally,” said Dr. Michael Myers, president and CEO of Innocoll. “Despite investing heavily in the late stage clinical development of our own internal pipeline of products, we believe that partnerships such as this with TGR BioSciences are important for providing the company with a wide and diversified portfolio of development projects for long term, sustainable growth.”
For more information: www.innocoll.com, www.tgr-biosciences.com