Iconovo and Respiratorius sign agreement for development of inhalation product to treat COPD
Iconovo AB (publ), which develops complete inhalation products for a global market, and Respiratorius AB (publ), which develops drug candidates for the treatment of COPD, and other common diseases, announced today that they have signed an agreement for the development of an inhalation formulation as well as an inhalation product for phase I studies for Respiratorius drug candidate RES030-085 within the RESP9000 project for the treatment of COPD and severe asthma.
COPD is considered one of the most common and fastest growing diseases that lack satisfactory treatment. The formulation work represents an important step for Respiratorius' development of drug candidate, RES030-085. This is Iconovo’s third agreement in a short period of time within the company's new strategic area for innovative inhalation projects.
"The collaboration with Respiratorius further strengthens our position in the strategic area of innovative inhalation projects. We look forward to working together to reach the market in as short a time as possible", says Johan Wäborg, CEO, Iconovo.
The agreement requires Iconovo to develop a dry powder formulation and an inhalation product based on Iconovo's inhaler ICOone, for use in phase I clinical studies. The intention is also to investigate which of Iconovo's inhalation platforms is best suited for the commercialization of Respiratorius substance and, after successful development work, discuss a license agreement between the companies.
"Starting a Phase I study is an important goal for Respiratorius. We are pleased to partner with Iconovo's inhalation experts to develop an appropriate formulation and inhaler for our substance", says Johan Drott, CEO, Respiratorius
The agreement includes step-by-step fee-for-service development work with the total value of up to SEK 3 million of which SEK 0.2 million is paid upon signing the agreement. The work is projected to be performed within the next 9 months.
About RES030-085
RESP9000 is a series of drug candidates with bronchial and anti-inflammatory properties that are developed to enable the treatment of both COPD and asthma patients. The main candidate RES030-085 is in preclinical phase with good results in the conducted preparatory safety studies. In 2018, a patent application for the substance series was filed within the RESP9000 project and is now in the national phase, for approval in individual countries.
About ICOone®
ICOone is a unique, patented dry powder inhaler for single use. The smart design generates an ultra-low manufacturing cost combined with simple and discreet use. It is particularly suitable for short-term treatment and as-needed use as it provides an unsurpassed low treatment cost and price point for treatments with a low number of doses. The simple design also enables patients and caregivers to learn how to handle the inhalers with minimal training. ICOone can deliver large inhalation doses that are well protected against moisture, an important factor for many biomolecules.
About Respiratorius
Respiratorius AB (publ) develops drug candidates, with the ambition to be able to launch medicines for diseases such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe asthma. In addition, the project portfolio includes a project to improve the diagnosis of certain cardiovascular diseases.
More information about the company can be found at www.respiratorius.com
About Iconovo
Iconovo was founded in 2013 by people with long experience in inhalation development. The company develops inhalers and associated drug preparations that are used to treat asthma and COPD. However, Iconovo also has the competence to develop products for new types of inhaled drugs such as vaccines.
By working with Iconovo, pharmaceutical companies and generic companies can access a complete pharmaceutical product, thereby eliminating the complex and costly early stages of the development phase. Iconovo licenses its patented products to customers and offers a faster way to the inhalation market with lower risk and at a lower cost.
More information about the company can be found at www.iconovo.se.
Iconovo is based in Lund and its share (ticker ICO) is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market, Stockholm since April 6, 2018. The Company’s Certified Adviser is Erik Penser Bank AB, Box 7405, SE-103 91 Stockholm, phone +46 8 463 80 00, email: certifiedadviser@penser.se.
This disclosure contains information that Respiratorius is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (EU nr 596/2014). The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person, on 20-05-2021 08:30 CET.
Johan Drott
President Respiratorius AB
+46 709-22 41 40
johan.drott@respiratorius.com