Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) to Use NanoPass Microneedle Technology for Intradermal Vaccines and Diagnostic Skin Tests
8/31/2009 1:29:36 PM
Seattle, U.S.A and Nes Ziona, Israel – August 31, 2009
The Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) and NanoPass Technologies Ltd.
(NanoPass) today announced they have entered into an agreement whereby IDRI
licenses NanoPass’ proprietary MicronJet microneedle technology for the intradermal
delivery of products against a number of diseases including tuberculosis, HIV,
malaria, leishmaniasis and leprosy, among others. The financial details of the
agreement are confidential.
NanoPass’ single use, microneedles-based device can be used with any standard
syringe to deliver liquid substance directly and consistently into the skin.
Intradermal vaccine delivery has been shown to induce a stronger immune response
when compared to conventional administration methods such as intramuscular and
subcutaneous injections. This is attributed to the relatively dense network of immune
cells present in the skin, leading to a better stimulation of the body’s defenses. As a
result, intradermal delivery may enhance vaccine protection, facilitate development
of novel vaccines for challenging diseases and allow for a reduction in the amount of
antigen needed to stimulate a protective immune response.
“We are very excited to sign this license agreement with NanoPass,” said Dr. Steven
Reed, Founder and Head of IDRI's Research and Development. “NanoPass’ MicronJet
technology provides targeted delivery of the vaccine to specialized cells of the
immune system. We have observed a similar immunostimulating effect with our
adjuvants and we look forward to evaluating the combined potential of these
technologies.”
IDRI also plans to apply the MicronJet technology for the administration of diagnostic
skin tests.
Because microneedles are very short, they do not reach the free nerve endings of
the skin that are responsible for pain sensation, and therefore most substances can
be administered with microneedles with less pain. Furthermore, the microneedles are
so small that they are barely visible to the naked eye, making the MicronJet far less
intimidating than a conventional needle - and perfect for children and needle-phobic
patients.
Dr. Yotam Levin, CEO of NanoPass, said: “This agreement signals a new milestone
for NanoPass and our MicronJet device. We are delighted to collaborate with IDRI so
that this technology can be utilized in the most challenging infectious diseases that
impede global health. We are excited that the MicronJet will be used to deliver
innovative products targeting the needs of the poorest populations and hopefully
protect many lives."
IDRI-Translating science into global health solutions
IDRI is a Seattle-based not-for-profit organization committed to applying innovative
science to the research and development of products to prevent, detect and treat
infectious diseases of poverty. By integrating capabilities, IDRI strives to create an
efficient pathway bringing scientific innovation from the lab to the people who need it
most. For more information, go to www.idri.org
About NanoPass
NanoPass (www.nanopass.com) is an Israel-based company developing an
innovative delivery device for the enhancement of vaccines and other therapeutics.
The Company has proven efficacy and safety in multiple applications including
seasonal flu and insulin delivery. NanoPass is continuously engaged in joint clinical
development with top pharmaceutical companies to demonstrate the benefits of its
technology for various indications. The Company is backed by leading venture capital
groups including WFD Ventures, Ofer HiTech and D-Partners.
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