Tetratherix and Ab Initio Sign Landmark Deal to Commercialise Novel Drug Delivery Technology.
Photo. Dr Hui Xin Ong (YY) of Ab Initio and Dr Ali Fathi of Tetratherix signing collaboration agreement with CEO Will Knox (Tetratherix) and CEO Paul Young (Ab Initio)
In a landmark deal, Tetratherix and Ab Initio Pharma have signed a collaboration agreement to commercialise products for mucosal delivery of vaccines. In partnership, Ab Initio and Tetratherix have developed a novel solution for targeted therapy to the nasal cavity that enhances drug residency time, stability and effectiveness. The technology is based on Tetratherix’s Tetramatrix™ polymer platform with integrated Intellectual Property (IP) developed by Ab Initio.
Tetratherix’s Tetramatrix™ hydrogel, is a fully synthetic biopolymer platform that has already enabled the evolution of numerous applications in tissue engineering & minimally invasive surgery. Chief Technology Officer and Founder of Tetratherix, Dr Ali Fathi said -
“Tetramatrix is a highly versatile material platform that promises to revolutionise the way we administer routine vaccinations. The incorporation of additional new IP that can optimise our platform technology, will allow us to offer our commercial partners a targeted mucosal drug delivery solution that enhances the delivery of a wide range of mRNA vaccines and high value therapeutics.”
Nasal vaccination, a global challenge
Nasal vaccination offers a promising alternative to traditional injection-based immunization methods, aiming to provide mucosal immunity directly at the site of many respiratory infections. However, there are several challenges associated with its development and widespread adoption. Firstly, the nasal mucosa acts as a barrier, and thus vaccine formulations must ensure effective delivery and uptake of the antigen in the presence of mucosal defence mechanisms such as mucus and cilia. Secondly, the potential for rapid clearance of the vaccine through mucociliary movement can limit the exposure time and reduce efficacy. Stability of vaccine components in the nasal environment, which may contain enzymes that degrade the vaccine, is also a concern.
Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of Ab Initio, Hui Xin Ong (YY) commented -
“The innovative therapy developed by Ab Initio and Tetratherix overcomes key issues with these respiratory vaccines by incorporating sensitive mRNA nanoparticles into a synthetic polymer matrix that has a controllable phase transition behaviour. The formulation can be easily administered to the target site but when delivered forms a protective membrane that enhances residency time and immunological response.”
In the landmark deal, Tetratherix will integrate the Ab Initio IP into the Tetramatrix™ platform and will undertake a development program to bring this to market with their global pharma partners. Ab Initio will receive key milestone payments for commercialisation activities and registration of the product in jurisdictions including the US, EU, and Australia.
About Tetratherix
Tetratherix is a techbio pioneer that has developed an advanced biomaterial platform called Tetramatrix™ It is headquartered in Sydney Australia, where it has a state-of-the-art ISO:14385 sterile production facility for the development & manufacture of the Tetramatrix™platform. Learn more here.
About Ab Initio
Ab Initio is an Australian company based in Sydney specialising in pharmaceutical product development and manufacture. It has a state-of-the-art facility GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) facility for the manufacture and release of pharmaceutical products including nasally and orally inhaled medicines. Learn more here.
