DUBLIN, Ireland, July 18, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Merrion Pharmaceuticals today announced the continuation of an oral drug delivery research collaboration programme with Novo Nordisk. This follows on from the completion of several oral feasibility studies combining Merrion's Gastrointestinal Permeation Enhancement Technology (GIPET) oral drug delivery technology with Novo Nordisk compounds. In continuation of this collaboration, Merrion will now complete the development of solid dosage forms with GIPET for additional testing.
"We are very pleased to be working on oral versions of Novo Nordisk's compounds. We believe there can be substantial benefit to patients in having oral formulations on these compounds available -- and our GIPET technology has shown the ability to significantly improve the oral delivery of these drugs," John Lynch, Merrion's CEO said to-day.
In more than 20 clinical studies, GIPET technology has been shown to improve the oral absorption of a wide range of drugs, by between 500% and 1500%. Drugs studied ranged from small molecules to small proteins. Merrion currently has four products in development, as well as several collaboration agreements with pharmaceutical partners, using this technology.
For further information: www.merrionpharma.com
About Merrion:
Merrion Pharmaceuticals is a publicly listed specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the development of oral forms (tablets/capsules) of drugs that have poor absorption and are generally given by injection. Merrion was established in 2004 to commercialise various technologies acquired from Elan Corporation, plc. Merrion's patented drug delivery technologies increase bioavailability, by improving absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, of drugs that are otherwise poorly absorbed. This can provide substantial benefit in patient convenience and safety, and might also provide enhanced drug efficacy. Merrion utilises its technology to develop new oral drugs in two ways; it develops its own proprietary drugs using GIPET(r) and partners with other pharmaceutical companies in developing oral GIPET(r) formulations of their products.
Merrion currently has four internal product development programs based on its GIPET(r) technology.
* MER 101 is an oral bisphosphonate for oncology indications currently in Phase II development. This product aims to allow cancer patients with bone metastases take a weekly tablet to get the gold standard treatment in this area, rather than an IV infusion. * MER 103, which is also an oral bisphosphonate for the treatment of osteoporosis, has completed Phase II clinical trials. Based on the market leading drug, this programme aims to provide similar absorption in just 8% of the current dose, with a simplified dosing regimen and an improved side effect profile. * MER 104 is a second oral oncology product for the treatment of prostate cancer, which is in Phase I clinical testing. This programme aims to be the first oral product in the area of GnRH analogues. Products in this class also have several other male/female health indications. * MER 102, an oral anticoagulant, is in preclinical testing. This programme aims to be the first oral product in LMWH class of drugs, and to offer patients the alternative to daily injections.
Merrion has agreements with several pharmaceutical companies.
Merrion has operations in Dublin, Ireland and Wilmington, NC, USA.