Transdermal delivery posts positive results

Sydney-based biotech Apollo Life Sciences has announced positive results from independent trials of its transdermal drug delivery technology, Intradel.

The technology is based on a proprietary formulation that is able to deliver large water-soluble proteins across the skin into the surrounding dermal and hypo-dermal layers.

Apollo is trialling Intradel in both over the counter and pharmaceutical 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," Apollo's CEO, John Priest, said. "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 Intradel 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.

John Staton, CEO of Dermatest, a 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 later this month.

Dermatest is also midway through an eight-week trial of Apollo's cellulite serum. Priest said that if future trial results were positive, Apollo would launch the technology in Australian retail stores later this year and in the US in 2008.

Apollo is trialling the technology in over-the-counter applications such as skin care as these products 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," Priest said.

Intradel is being 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.

Apollo is also trialling a transdermally delivered tetanus vaccine and is in preclinical trials for an orally delivered tumour necrosis factor (TNF) blocker for rheumatoid arthritis and orally delivered insulin.