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Technology Platform

Buccal Delivery

This technology is built around a bioadhesive/mucoadhesive dextrin excipient called beta-limit dextrin (BLD) which is manufactured by treating starch (amylopectin) with beta-amylase. The excipient is mixed with an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and freeze-dried to make "wafers". In the mouth, these lyophilised wafers deliver the API(s) through the mucosa into the blood stream. This is a rapidly growing area of drug delivery with many physiological advantages over other modes of delivery. Different drugs (and active agents) can be delivered through the buccal mucosa using this technology.

A number of drugs relevant for buccal delivery have been focused on for clinical trials. These trials have confirmed the efficacy of the technology (physical properties in the mouth and absorption through the mucosa of the mouth) in both animals (different species) and man.

Clinical trials have progressed through Phase I-II.

The technology is derived from the foundation IP WO/2004/014156.

The technology is out-licensed for specific drugs. New drug applications/licenses are developing with a range of partners.

Colon Health

The current colon health focus of the Company is towards the use of low molecular weight mannans (glucomannan hydrolysates, GMH) to:

  1. Promote a healthy gut microflora
  2. Encapsulate and remove pathogens from the gut
  3. Provide therapeutic options for gut specific diseases
  4. Promote healing

These mannans are derived from konjac glucomannans which are depolymerised enzymatically.

The structure and physiological properties of mannans make them very advantageous with respect to healthcare compared to other sources of carbohydrates.

Animal and human faecal trials are complete where prebiotic-type efficacy and overall gut health has been proven.

Current trials with a clinical partner are focusing on the prevention of and recovery from diarrhoea in human volunteers.

Other gut related disorder applications are also being developed.

The technology is derived from the foundation IP WO/2005/111195.

Encapsulation/Taste Masking/Drug and Nutrient Delivery/Controlled Release

The Company is active with respect to encapsulating drugs and nutrients (in different formats) with carbohydrates to control their taste, release properties and site of release. This involves different strategies for different APIs/nutrients. Both physically entrapped and chemically modified systems are of interest.

GORD (GERD)

This carbohydrate based technology forms raft structures in the stomach and is used to control gastric reflux and heartburn. The formulation is an advance on the standard alginate type structure used in many commercial gastric reflux type products. It has both physical and physiological advantages which cannot be achieved with alginate alone.

The technology is being developed in different formats to treat gastric reflux with relevant partners.

The technology is derived from the foundation IP WO/2007/104905.

Hypoglycaemia Management

Glycologic Limited has developed a starch derivative which is digested slowly in the gastrointestinal tract and releases glucose over an extended time period. This prevents hypoglycaemia developing uniquely. The technology reduces glucose spikes associated with glucose/dextrin/starch consumption and extends the duration of digestion over many hours. It also reduces insulin in the blood during exercise and promotes fat metabolism. Extensive clinical trials have been conducted and concluded for metabolic disorders, liver disease, sports nutrition and diabetes.

The technology is out-licensed for certain clinical conditions and for sports nutrition. Work continues with respect to type I and type II diabetes and other clinical applications of the technology.

The technology is derived from the foundation IP WO/2005/044284.

Satiety

This carbohydrate based technology forms long dwelling structures in the stomach when swallowed and thus provides a sensation of "feeling full"; reducing the amount of food consumed post-consumption and supporting weight control/reduction. In human trials, the material has been very well received by consumers in trials. It can be flavoured and be used in conjunction with therapeutic agents if required, having a very flexible format.

The technology is being developed in different formats as an aid to weight control and reduction with different partners.

The technology is derived from the foundation IP WO/2007/104905.

Skin Care

The skin care focus is towards the use of low molecular weight mannans (glucomannan hydrolysates, GMH) to:

  1. Promote a healthy skin microflora
  2. Promote healing
  3. Reduce scarring

These mannans are derived from konjac glucomannans which are depolymerised enzymatically.

Clinical trials have progressed through Phase II-III where the capability of the material to treat infection, promote healing and reduce scarring has been proven.

Further evidence in the literature has supported the efficacy of this material for skin care.

The technology is derived from the foundation IP WO/2005/111195.

Partners are working with Glycologic Limited to bring a range of skin care products to market.

Vaginal Health

The vaginal health focus is towards the use of low molecular weight mannans (glucomannan hydrolysates, GMH) to:

  1. Promote a healthy microflora
  2. Prevent infections
  3. Promote healing

These mannans are derived from konjac glucomannans which are depolymerised enzymatically.

Clinical trials have progressed through Phase I-II where the efficacy has been proven (vaginal health recovery from infection and healing). A key focus is use as a prophylactic to prevent vaginal infection (e.g. Candida albicans) and use during/ after infection to promote healthy re-colonisation of the vagina (and thus prevent infection).

The technology is derived from the foundation IP WO/2005/111195.

Partnerships are being established to work with Glycologic Limited to bring a range of vaginal health products to market.

Heparin Analogues

The Company is developing an interest in the control of blood clotting using carbohydrates. The particular focus at this time is the development of a new generation of heparin analogues (from non-animal sources).

Wound Care

The Company has an active portfolio of activity in the wound care sector, focusing on the utilisation of carbohydrates to support wound management and healing.

Diagnostic Kits

The Company has developed and continues to develop diagnostic kits to detect carbohydrates and carbohydrate derivatives in food and pharmaceutical products. Specific kits are on the market with licensing partners. New kit formats can be developed for a range of target molecules for client companies.