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Sirus Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline Extend Collaboration on
Neuropathic Pain
Cambridge, 16th July 2003: Sirus Pharmaceuticals Limited today announces the
extension of an existing research collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline based upon promising results in models of neuropathic pain. Sirus is applying its proprietary
polymer expertise and Axonal Transport Technology to a proprietary GSK analgesic compound. Sirus’ axonal targeting technology gives the potential for
high concentrations of drug at the intended site of action thereby increasing therapeutic benefit without dose-limiting side effects.
Tom Saylor, CEO of Sirus, says “The highly encouraging data derived from the use of our technology to deliver a GSK compound in a model of neuropathic pain
provides further validation of our drug delivery systems".
Notes to Editors:
Sirus is a leading company developing products for treatment of conditions of the
nervous system based upon targeting drugs to the site of disease and chemical modification of drugs to improve their therapeutic effect. Treatment of conditions of the
nervous system is typically limited by side effects and poor absorption. By delivering
drugs to specifically targeted locations, effective treatment can be achieved with
significantly lower dosages and/or reduced side effects. Sirus’ technologies also allow
greater control over the release of drugs allowing either rapid onset of action, or days or
weeks of action as circumstances require.
Sirus has a rich pipeline based upon its Sublingual Spray, Controlled KineticsTM and
Axonal Transport technology platforms. Sirus recently announced a development candidate for neuropathic pain, SGX 355. Neuropathic pain is a component of many
pain conditions such as cancer pain, back pain and diabetic neuropathy. It is poorly
treated by existing medication and has been a major target of pharmaceutical research.
Sirus’ Controlled KineticsTM technology provides the potential to take a derivative of a
known medication and modify it for significantly improved treatment of many neuropathic
pain conditions by improving the physical characteristics of drugs and provide definable
systemic release. Sirus’ Controlled KineticsTM technology can provide extended release
of drugs over days and potentially weeks from a single dose.
Sirus’ Axonal Transport technology allows drugs to be delivered intracellularly to the cell
body of the neuron through anatomically targeted intramuscular injection, and is likely to
be of use for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with a number of inadequately
treated central and peripheral nervous conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia and
diabetic neuropathy. Sirus’ technology is based on sophisticated polymer chemistry
which allows utilisation of molecules which are are refractory to solubilisation in aqueous
media, and on a targeting agent for site-specific delivery to nerves. It is supported by a
patent portfolio consisting of over twenty families of patents, among which are filings
which dominate the field of axonal transport of drugs.
Sirus is is building a rich portfolio of drugs to treat conditions of the nervous system,
including neuropathic pain, acute pain, sleep disorders and epilepsy. These products are
underpinned by Sirus’ three proprietary drug delivery technologies, namely axonal
transport, controlled kinetic polymers and sublingual (under the tongue) targeting and
delivery systems. Sirus’ lead product is for breakthrough cancer pain which is expected
to be in Phase III clinical development over the next year. Sirus’ targeting and advanced
delivery technologies will allow many existing and emerging drugs to be formulated for
enhanced therapeutic effect with a reduced side effect profile.
For further information, please contact:
Sirus Pharmaceuticals Limited:
Tom Saylor, CEO contact@siruspharma.com
Tel: +44 (0)1223 496 090
Fax: +44 (0)1223 496 018
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