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| Apollo’s trial success - needle-free drug delivery |
No more needles | Apollo has had positive results from independent trials of its transdermal (across the skin) drug delivery technology, Intradel™.
Apollo CEO John Priest said Intradel™ is a breakthrough in the delivery of large water-soluble molecules across the dermis (skin) into sub-dermal and muscle layers – without the use of needles.
“Incorporating the non-invasive technology of Intradel™ into a topical lotion formula allows a ‘transdermal vehicle’ to carry a large range of active water-soluble molecules, such as proteins or natural botanical ingredients, across the skin.”
Priest said that Apollo’s Intradel™ technology has a wide and varied range of applications. “The technology acts as a vehicle to carry active molecules for the treatment of a range of serious skin and joint diseases such as psoriasis, arthritis and detection and treatment for skin cancers. It can also be used in over-the-counter wrinkle and cellulite treatments for the global skincare market.”
The latest trial, of an anti-wrinkle serum, showed that Apollo’s Intradel™ technology successfully delivered FDA-approved active ingredients across the skin. This reduced the visual appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes of test volunteers.
CEO John Staton of Dermatest, the Sydney-based sunscreen and skincare product evaluation company that conducted the trial, said “the immediate effects of Apollo’s anti-wrinkle serum were comparable to those obtained after one month’s treatment with similar products”.
Dermatest has now commenced a more intensive four-week study of Apollo’s anti-wrinkle serum. Results of this study are due in late August.
Dermatest is also midway through an eight-week trial of Apollo’s cellulite serum. To date, 90 per cent of test participants have noticed a visible reduction in the appearance of cellulite, while 100 per cent have experienced an improvement in skin firmness, smoothness and tightness.
According to Priest, the positive trial results show that Apollo’s Intradel™ technology can capitalise on the large and growing global skincare market. In 2005, the global skincare products market was worth an estimated US$38.3 billion.
“With future positive trial results, Apollo expects to launch its Intradel™ technology in Australian retail stores later this year and in the US in 2008,” he said.
While the core function of Intradel™ is to meet the worldwide demand for needle-free drug delivery systems, the technology’s versatility has allowed Apollo to move into areas such as skincare products that require a lower barrier to market entry compared to therapeutic drugs.
“The adaptability of Intradel™ will allow Apollo to generate cash flow while the company progresses clinical trials of its needle-free therapeutic drugs that are designed to treat diseases such as psoriasis and arthritis,” said Priest.
Apollo’s Intradel™ technology is used in the delivery of Apollo’s topical tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker for the treatment of psoriasis. Phase 2 trials of Apollo’s TNF blocker are scheduled later this year.
“By integrating Intradel™ technology with our TNF blocker, Apollo is well-placed to take advantage of the worldwide demand for psoriasis treatments; estimated at US$5 billion per annum in 2005,” said John Priest. |
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| www.apollolifesciences.com |
