INSULIN PATCH ON TRACK FOR CLINICAL TRIALS 17 Dec 2009...

INSULIN PATCH ON TRACK FOR CLINICAL TRIALS
17 Dec 2009

Phosphagenics announced that its TPM/insulin project is on track to return to the clinic for human trials in the first half of 2010 following the adaptation of the successful TPM patch technology developed internally for the oxycodone program

Melbourne, Australia | December 17, 2009 | Melbourne biotechnology company, Phosphagenics Limited (Phosphagenics) (ASX: POH; OTCQX: PPGNY) today announced that its TPM/insulin project is on track to return to the clinic for human trials in the first half of 2010 following the adaptation of the successful TPM patch technology developed internally for the oxycodone program.

In addition, the company revealed that its scientists have:
* completed dose optimisation of the insulin formulation thereby substantially reducing the amount of insulin required to achieve therapeutic dose
* completed and tested the matrix insulin patch on animals demonstrating that blood glucose levels were lowered for the duration of the studies.

Phosphagenics patented TPM (Targeted Penetration Matrix) delivery system is capable of topically delivering large molecules, such as insulin, into the blood circulation in a non- invasive manner using its internally developed patch.
Currently the only way to deliver insulin for the treatment of diabetes is by injection or the more invasive pump system.
It is estimated that around 250 million people are living with diabetes today and that this number will increase to around 380 million by 2025. The global diabetes therapy market is worth around US$26.3 billion in 2009 and is expected to grow to around US$34.5 billion by 2013*.

According to Dr Esra Ogru, COO, the ability of the Phosphagenics TPM technology to deliver large proteins, such as insulin, through the skin and into the blood stream has potential to reduce the number of invasive injections per day, she said. Our aim is to provide a basal level of insulin to people with diabetes over a sustained period.
Currently basal levels of insulin are provided by injections. Basal insulin is the fastest growing segment of the insulin market.
Early this year Phosphagenics announced that it had completed its human trial using the TPM system to deliver insulin to people with Type 1 diabetes.
Dr Ogru said that since then Phosphagenics scientists had achieved excellent results optimising the insulin formulation and developing a TPM/insulin patch system. Patches are more patient friendly and require minimal handling.
Data showed that insulin can be effectively delivered via the TPM patch system, resulting in lower blood glucose levels, We are now perfectly placed to start clinical trials on the TPM/insulin patch system in first half of next year, she said. * Espicom Business Intelligence Report (2009)


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