Aptar Pharma is partnering with biotech firm Aceso Therapeutics to accelerate development of ACT-101, an experimental antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) designed to target the underlying mechanisms of cystic fibrosis (CF).
The collaboration brings together Aptar Pharma’s drug delivery expertise and Aceso’s focus on developing novel therapies for cystic fibrosis, a rare inherited disease that affects around 100,000 people worldwide and can cause severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs.
Under the agreement, Nanopharm, Aptar Pharma’s specialist inhalation development services business, will lead formulation development and device assessment for ACT-101, supporting Aceso’s clinical development roadmap.
The work will focus on enabling direct delivery of the ASO candidate to the lungs, a potentially important approach for treating the underlying disease in patients with CF.
Gemma Budd, General Manager of Nanopharm, an Aptar Pharma company, said, "Cystic fibrosis remains a devastating disease with significant unmet need. Partnering with Aceso Therapeutics enables us to apply our formulation and inhalation science expertise to an innovative oligonucleotide asset. We are proud to contribute our expertise to this early-stage development program."
Thomas Tran, CEO and Co-Founder of Aceso Therapeutics, said, "By partnering with Nanopharm, Aceso Therapeutics aims to accelerate the development of ACT-101 towards clinical evaluation, exploring its potential through direct delivery to the lung.
"Nanopharm's proven track record in inhaled and nasal drug product development, combined with the wider scientific depth within Aptar Pharma, gives us confidence as we continue to advance our ASO platform. This collaboration marks an important milestone for Aceso and for the continued development of potential new approaches for cystic fibrosis."
