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(Alliance News) - N4 Pharma PLC on Monday said it has hired Nanomerics Ltd to investigate the potential use of N4's drug delivery system Nuvec in cancer therapy.
AIM-listed pharmaceutical company N4 Pharma said the project will explore the role of Nuvec as a delivery system for DNA and SiRNA, with the initial aim being to test a silica based, delivery system in a proof of concept preclinical tumour model.
Stage one of the programme will focus on the formulation of Nuvec with a therapeutic DNA plasmid while stage two will see the candidate formulation evaluated in vivo in a subcutaneous tumour model to examine tumour regression following multiple local or systemic injections, N4 explained.
The programme is expected to complete in twelve months. Nanomerics is based at University College London's School of Pharmacy.
"Not only could Nuvec have the potential to deliver therapeutic nucleic acids to target tumours, but also due to the structure of Nuvec with its hollow core, it is feasible that it could be developed as a combination product whereby it carries an external nucleic acid load and an internal small molecule chemotherapeutic. Such potential could make Nuvec very attractive as a possible delivery system for oncology therapeutics," said N4 Chief Executive Nigel Theobald.
Shares trading 19% lower at 5.00 pence each on Monday afternoon in London.
By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com
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