BioDelivery Sciences Receives $1.3 Million US Army Grant For Investigation Of Bioral Amphotericin B In Topical Leishmaniasis

Main Category: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 08 Oct 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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BioDelivery Sciences International, Inc. (Nasdaq: BDSI) has received a $1.3 million grant from the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research for Bioral Amphotericin B, an oral formulation of the fungicidal treatment amphotericin B in BDSI's patented Bioral drug delivery technology, to further study the formulation in the treatment of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Systemic fungal infections continue to be a major domestic and international healthcare problem. Amphotericin B, which is currently only delivered intravenously, is an established, commonly used drug to treat these infections. BDSI is developing a Bioral formulation of amphotericin B for the potential oral treatment of fungal infections such as Esophageal Candidiasis and parasitic diseases such as Leishmaniasis. Earlier this year, BDSI announced the results of a Phase 1 clinical study of the Bioral formulation of amphotericin B identifying doses that were well tolerated.

"We are delighted to be given this opportunity to continue research on a treatment of such potential importance, especially in a competitive grant environment," said Dr. David Blum, Vice President of Medical Affairs and Clinical Research for BioDelivery Sciences. "Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is found in many areas of the world and has become a key healthcare issue for U.S. military personnel serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. If the clinical study program yields positive results, it could potentially result in a significant improvement in the treatment options for this disease."

About Bioral Technology

Bioral is a novel, patented drug delivery system based upon cochleate technology. Bioral encapsulates and protects a drug without chemically bonding to it and may facilitate oral dosing of drugs that typically need to be given by intravenous administration. Alternating layers of lipids spiral around a drug molecule, encapsulating it, and potentially protecting it from degradation by acid or digestive enzymes in the stomach. The Bioral technology is being evaluated as a new means of overcoming the poor oral absorption of drugs. Several non-clinical studies have demonstrated the potential value of agents delivered using the Bioral technology.

The Bioral drug delivery technology was developed in collaboration with the University of Albany and the University of New Jersey Medical and Dental School, each of which has granted BDSI exclusive worldwide licenses under applicable patents. Collaboration with the National Institutes of Health has supported, in part, the Bioral non-clinical program, and a collaboration with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research is currently exploring the use of Bioral technology in difficult to treat parasitic infections.

Source
BioDelivery Sciences International

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