October 11, 2011
Asahi Kasei Pharma Corp.
Asahi Kasei Pharma received exclusive rights for the development, manufacture, and sale in Japan of a transdermal patch formulation of its Teribone™ human parathyroid hormone using microprojection technology from Zosano Pharma, Inc. of the US. A license agreement with Zosano was concluded in February 2011, and preparations have now been completed for clinical trials of the transdermal patch formulation of Teribone™ in Japan, which Asahi Kasei Pharma expects will begin next year.
Approval for the manufacture and sale of a subcutaneous injection formulation of Teribone™ for the treatment of osteoporosis with high risk of fracture was obtained by Asahi Kasei Pharma on September 26, 2011. In addition to this injection formulation for weekly administration, the transdermal technology licensed from Zosano will reinforce Asahi Kasei Pharma’s R&D pipeline in the field of orthopedics with a focus on osteoporosis, through the development of a microprojection patch formulation of Teribone™ that enables needle-free administration.
Profile of Zosano Pharma, Inc.
| CEO: | Gail Schulze |
|---|---|
| Headquarter: | Fremont, California, USA |
| Major product: | ZP-PTH transdermal patch PTH formulation (US Phase II clinical trial completed) |
About osteoporosis
In Japan, it is estimated that more than 11 million people suffer from osteoporosis, including those not receiving treatment,* and the number is increasing as the population ages. Since osteoporosis carries an increased risk of vertebral and femoral fracture, with a high probability of resulting in confinement to bed, the implementation of effective measures against osteoporosis is an important social issue.
About Zosano Pharma’s ZP Patch Technology
Zosano’s ZP Patch Technology is based on microprojections that deliver therapeutic compounds (including peptides, proteins, small molecules, and vaccines) to the skin’s outer layer and provide rapid and efficient systemic drug delivery in a convenient, needle-free, and pain-free system. This transdermal delivery system—consisting of an adhesive patch with a drug-coated microprojection array and a reusable applicator—therefore offers benefits over injection formulations that require a needle and syringe.
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