Background

Lung cancer is the most common cancer in the world and is the leading cause of cancer death. There are 1.61 million new cases diagnosed worldwide every year (the highest incidence being in Scotland) and it has one of the lowest survival rates.  The main drugs used in the treatment of lung cancer are platinum-based cytotoxic drugs such as cisplatin. Cisplatin is poorly absorbed orally and only 0.1% of the dose reaches the lungs after intravenous administration, where it has a short residence time.  Cisplatin has poor solubility and renal toxicity is a major problem. Novel formulations with reduced toxicity compared to cisplatin solution and similar or better therapeutic efficacy are required.

Technology

We have developed candidates for an improved formulation of cisplatin that is given by inhalation. This has great potential to improve lung cancer treatment through improved efficacy along with reduced toxicity, compared with conventional intravenous cisplatin therapy.

Key Benefits

·         Given by inhalation

·         Reduction in drug dosage and frequency of toxic cisplatin

·         Platform technology can likely be used for other drugs

Markets and Application

·         Improved formulation of cisplatin for the treatment of lung cancer

·         Platform can be applied to other disease areas