Competiton? I was just alerted to a Pharma out of Netherlandcs called 'to-BBB'. I suspect this technology may have been discussed her some time ago but don't have the time today too reseach...and others here are more capable to do so.
I did a very quick review of their 'G Technology' conjugate and it does look persuasive. However a much deeper review would make me feel even more comfortable with the fact that this technology, although very impressive, has been greatky surpassed by BTI's Tanscend conjugate.
Very cursory notes on a fly by:
First: it has to be injected intravenously ( from small vials ) … a big impediment as opposed to oral ( pills). This is invasive, has to be done by a Dr., vials may need refrigeration., etc. Mist pharmas would have to contract out for vial manufacturing of different drugs; handing in pharmacies would be a problem;; and more. They say they have a more versatile delivery system, meaning that it is better than continuous intravenous infusion by way of gravity drip or I.V. pump.
I suspect that there would be a peak/valley problem with spaced out injections… pills can be ataken frequently to keep drug levels consistant.
Looks like the injections would have to be administered frequently…. For instance a half life of ‘several’ days ( with cancer drug doxorubicin ) indicates that injections would have to be given once every 3 to 4 weeks. If the drugs work it is still a big breakthrough but cannot compare to oral medication in any way… unless it is more effective and I don’t think it is.
They talk about various classes of molecules but I haven’t yet found a direct reference to the ability to carry large molecules… need more reading.
A Pieter Gaillard paper ( BBB’s chief scientific officer) gives ten criteria … all of which are met and exceeded by Transcend.
Safety is stressed but this is/has been addressed by BTI.
The technology goes back/patented in 2005.
The system works and is effective and exceeds other therapeutics from what I can see… but it would appear to already have been outdated and surpassed by Transcend.
To-BBB has a pipeline… For MS/CNS inflammation and for ischemic stroke…and others it would like to proceed with…they mention collaborations with pharmas and ‘proprietary product indication combinations’… so it almost appears that they want to market the various products and pay the pharmas for their technology but not sure?…. They would have a very difficult time with that one.
So far , with just a brief look at to-BBB, I would have to guess that BTI is way ahead of them. This is unfortunate for them because if BTI had not come along, the would really have something new.
Comments?