Delivering pharmaceuticals to the skin in a sustained release manner (hours to days) with two leading drug development programs in androgenic alopecia and cutaneous lupus.
Atticus Pharma Inc. has developed a silica-based sustained release delivery system for a mitochondrial activator, targeting alopecia with promising results compared to minoxidil. Clinical trials are underway to validate its efficacy in promoting hair growth and reducing shedding.
Overview
Atticus has exclusive pharmaceutical rights to a unique, patented drug-delivery system called the Z-pod® technology. This system delivers drug on a sustained-release basis, offering significant clinical advantages. The technology involves embedding API into the pores of an amorphous silica matrix, which is then processed to become a silica powder. The powder is incorporated into a cream, foam, gel, etc. and, upon topical administration, the silica particles penetrate the stratum corneum and hair follicle and gradually release API into the epidermis. Our delivery is quasi-topical in that we apply to the skin but once the Z-pods penetrate the stratum corneum, they serve as a depot for the drug and are not easily washed/rubbed off—they eventually slough off as part of normal skin turnover. We can deliver small molecules, peptides, siRNA, and potentially larger proteins with our technology. We have two initial product candidates in development: (i) ATC-001 to treat cutaneous lupus lesions—we have compelling animal data and are currently conducting IND-enabling studies and plan to file an IND in late 2026. (ii) ATC-002 to treat androgenic alopecia—we have compelling human data from 98 women and plan to file an IND in late 2026.
Technical specifications
- Sustained release technology: The system utilizes silica-based carriers to ensure controlled release of the API over a prolonged period, enhancing effectiveness.
Technology readiness level
This innovative delivery system is currently at Technology Readiness Level 5, having been validated in relevant environments and now progressing through human clinical trials to further ascertain its efficacy and safety.
About Atticus Pharma Inc.
Atticus Pharma Inc. is a therapeutics company focused on immunodermatology and the treatment of associated skin disorders. The company develops drug candidates by utilizing a proprietary sustained-release technology known as Z-pods, which are engineered silica particles licensed from Zylö Therapeutics. This technology creates a drug depot effect on the skin, enabling the controlled delivery of various therapeutic agents such as small molecules, peptides, and siRNA. By moving away from systemic administration to localized topical applications, Atticus aims to improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects associated with traditional oral treatments.
The company's pipeline includes candidates for conditions such as cutaneous lupus lesions and androgenic alopecia, with clinical research demonstrating potential improvements in objective measures like hair density and quality of life. By addressing therapeutic gaps in markets with significant patient populations, Atticus seeks to provide novel, first-line topical treatment options. The firm is actively engaged in clinical trials to substantiate its drug candidates and collaborates with academic and clinical institutions to advance its research, positioning itself as a developer of differentiated dermatological therapeutics.
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