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Pharmaceutical industry

Sparta Pharmaceuticals Licenses Spartaject Technology to Schering-Plough for TEMODAL

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Sparta Pharmaceuticals Inc. has signed a license agreement with Schering-Plough Corp. to apply Spartaject Technology to TEMODAL, an oral anticancer agent currently in development for the treatment of patients with recurrent malignant gliomas. The Spartaject technology allows poorly water-soluble compounds to be given by injection, encapsulating fine particles of an insoluble drug in a fatty layer, permitting intravenous injection without toxic solubilizing agents. This agreement has the potential to expand the TEMODAL product line and provide a new delivery system for water-insoluble compounds.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sparta Pharmaceuticals Inc. licensed its Spartaject Technology to Schering-Plough Corp. for use with TEMODAL, an oral anticancer agent.
  • TEMODAL is currently in development for the treatment of patients with recurrent malignant gliomas, such as glioblastoma multiforme and anaplastic astrocytoma.
  • The Spartaject Technology has the potential to be incorporated for use with many other FDA-approved drugs that are currently only available by oral delivery.
  • Sparta believes that applying Spartaject Technology to TEMODAL may allow for intravenous administration in patients that require high concentration levels in the blood and/or for the administration of TEMODAL in localized areas in direct contact with certain tumors.
  • Sparta Pharmaceuticals will receive up-front licensing fees, milestone payments, and royalties on sales.
  • QED Technologies acted as an advisor to Sparta in this transaction.
  • This agreement has the potential to expand the TEMODAL product line and provide a new delivery system for water-insoluble compounds.
  • Dr. Jerry B. Hook, Sparta's chairman, president, and CEO commented on the agreement, highlighting the potential of Spartaject Technology.

Statistics:

  • TEMODAL is currently in development for the treatment of patients with recurrent malignant gliomas.
  • TEMODAL has demonstrated antitumor activity in clinical trials.
  • The Spartaject Technology has the potential to be incorporated for use with many other FDA-approved drugs.
  • Sparta Pharmaceuticals will receive up-front licensing fees from Schering-Plough Corp.
  • The agreement has the potential to provide a new delivery system for water-insoluble compounds.

Sources:

  • Business Wire: "Spartaject Technology to be applied to TEMODAL." April 22, 1998
  • Sparta Pharmaceuticals Inc. investor relations: Press release dated April 22, 1998.

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