Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. Enters Agreements with Research Partners for Nasal Delivery of Diabetes and Alzheimer Disease Treatments

Strategic Insights -

Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. has announced the signing of separate agreements with two undisclosed research partners to evaluate the development of proprietary formulations for the nasal delivery of compounds useful for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer disease. The company will utilize its proprietary Tight Junction technology to screen intranasal formulations of both compounds for toxicity, stability, and the ability to facilitate drug transport across the nasal mucosa. These studies are designed to assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of the nasally delivered formulations compared to current injectable and/or oral dosage forms. The company's chairman, president, and CEO, Steven C. Quay, MD, PhD, stated that the target product profiles for these two development programs are very attractive and would provide a significant and competitive advantage in their respective markets.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. has entered into agreements with two undisclosed research partners to develop proprietary formulations for the nasal delivery of compounds for type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer disease treatments.
  • The company will utilize its proprietary Tight Junction technology to screen intranasal formulations of both compounds for toxicity, stability, and the ability to facilitate drug transport across the nasal mucosa.
  • The studies will assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of the nasally delivered formulations compared to current injectable and/or oral dosage forms.
  • Diabetes affects an estimated 194 million adults worldwide and more than 18 million in the United States, with approximately 90-95% of those affected having type 2 diabetes.
  • Approximately 60% of diabetics do not achieve target hemoglobin A1c levels with their current treatment regimen, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
  • Patients with high levels of hemoglobin A1c are more likely to develop diabetes-related complications, such as kidney disease, blindness, and heart disease.
  • Alzheimer disease afflicts an estimated 4 million Americans, including one in 10 persons over 65 and nearly half of those over 85, and is estimated to affect 14 million Americans by the middle of the next century.
  • Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative drug delivery technologies and products.

Statistics:

  • An estimated 194 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes, with more than 18 million cases in the United States.
  • Approximately 60% of diabetics do not achieve target hemoglobin A1c levels with their current treatment regimen.
  • Alzheimer disease affects an estimated 4 million Americans, with 14 million projected to be affected by the middle of the next century.

Sources:

  • Nastech Pharmaceutical Company Inc. (2004, December 6). Nastech Enters Agreements with Research Partners to Evaluate Nasal Delivery of Compounds for Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer Disease.
  • Obesity & Diabetes Week (2004). Nastech Enters Agreements with Research Partners to Evaluate Nasal Delivery of Compounds for Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer Disease.
  • U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
  • American Diabetes Association.