Amphiphilic block copolymer for enhancing solubility and bioavailability of fat-soluble nutrients
DelAQUA Pharmaceuticals offers an innovative amphiphilic block copolymer technology to significantly increase the solubility and oral bioavailability of fat-soluble nutrients and drugs. This technology supports the formulation of various oral dosage forms with enhanced absorption.
Overview
DelAQUA Pharmaceuticals introduces an advanced amphiphilic block copolymer technology designed to improve the solubility and oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble compounds, including drugs, vitamins, and nutrients. This solution can achieve up to a 100,000-fold increase in solubility for compounds like curcumin, and it has demonstrated remarkable improvements in oral bioavailability, achieving near-complete absorption in some cases. The technology facilitates the formulation of these compounds into powders suitable for capsules, pills, tablets, or films, enhancing their effectiveness and ease of consumption.
Technical specifications
- Amphiphilic block copolymer: Utilized to dissolve fat-soluble compounds at high drug-to-polymer ratios.
- Formulation versatility: Capable of producing powders that can be pressed into pills, molded into tablets, or extruded into films.
- Demonstrated effectiveness: Proven increases in solubility and bioavailability, such as a 100,000-fold increase in curcumin solubility and near 100% bioavailability for certain drugs.
- Customization: Polymer chemistry can be tailored to optimize solubility and physical properties of the final product.
Technology readiness level
This technology is currently at TRL 4, indicating that it has been validated in a laboratory setting but requires further development and testing for commercial readiness. Future validation plans include screening polymers for specific compounds, optimizing formulations, and conducting stability and bioavailability studies.
About DelAQUA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
DelAQUA Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a Chapel Hill-based startup founded in 2018 that specializes in developing advanced drug delivery technologies. The company has created a proprietary platform utilizing polymeric micelles, specifically poly(2-oxazoline) (POx) micelle technology, designed to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. By reformulating existing marketed medications and stabilizing new chemical entities, DelAQUA aims to improve the safety and efficacy of therapeutic agents, potentially reducing side effects and allowing for smaller injection volumes. Their approach addresses a significant challenge in the pharmaceutical industry, where a large proportion of drug candidates are poorly soluble and face difficulty reaching the market due to bioavailability issues.
This technology is intended to support the development of therapies for a wide range of indications, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions, infectious diseases, and neurological disorders. By offering a robust, PEG-free solubilization platform, DelAQUA provides a solution that seeks to outperform traditional drug carriers, which often require high amounts of inactive excipients that can add cost and potential toxicity. The company actively engages with pharmaceutical partners and academic institutions to evaluate and co-develop novel formulations. DelAQUA has received federal support through a National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, as well as state-level matching grants, to further the research and clinical development of their injectable and oral drug delivery platforms.
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