Immune Pharmaceuticals to develop topical cyclosporine nano-capsules for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis

Immune Pharmaceuticals announced that based on efficacy data, it will partner with BioNanoSim Ltd to develop and license a novel topical nano-capsule formulation of cyclosporine for treating chronic inflammatory skin disorders such as moderate atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.

“Oral cyclosporine, a potent immunosuppressive drug known to reduce the activity of the immune system by interfering with T-cells, has revolutionized transplant medicine,” Monica Luchi, MD, chief medical officer of Immune, stated in a press release. “Its use and dermatology has been limited to severe cases of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, because of significant systemic toxicity.

“In a validated human skin model of atopic dermatitis, a novel topical nano-capsule formulation of cyclosporine A demonstrated comparable efficacy to a high potency topical corticosteroid. We believe that this product candidate could provide and important therapeutic alternative for millions of patients with chronic inflammatory skin disorders such as moderate atopic dermatitis and psoriasis,” Luchi said.

Immune pharmaceuticals plans to accelerate the product candidate’s development under the FDA’s abbreviated 505(b)(2) drug development pathway, according to the release.

The topical nano-second formulation of cyclosporine that can be absorbed through the skin. The formulation was shown to deliver therapeutic levels of cyclosporine to targeted skin layers and to limit systemic absorption in validated animal and human skin models, according to the release.

Immune Pharmaceuticals will fund further development of the drug candidate while BioNanoSim will be eligible to receive development milestones and royalties on sales, under the terms of the agreement, according to the release.

BioNanoSim was formed by Simon Benita, who invented a patented technology of the nano-capsule formulation of cyclosporine, and Yissum, the Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, according to the release.

Reference: www.immunepharmaceuticals.com