Albumedix and Hebei Changshan Biochem Pharma Co., Ltd (Changshan) today announced that they have entered into a supply agreement for the development of a novel type II diabetes treatment that enables once-weekly dosing. The agreement will see Albumedix’s recombinant albumin based half-life extension platform used for the development and later commercialization of a modified glucagon-like-peptide albumin conjugate (Albenatide) for the treatment of patients living with the condition in China.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, the Chinese diabetes population amounts to a staggering 114 million, representing a third of all people who have the condition worldwide. With a diabetes prevalence of 11.6 % for adults, China officially has the world’s largest diabetes epidemic. By combining Albumedix’s albumin-based drug delivery technology with Changshan’s clinical development expertise, Albenatide has the potential to extend the dosing frequency required by diabetics from daily to weekly, thereby significantly improving patient quality of life and treatment adherence as well as overall treatment cost.

Changshan operates through a joint venture with Los Angeles based ConjuChem, LLC for the development of long-acting diabetic treatments. “The collaboration between ConjuChem and Changshan is focused on the development of diabetes therapies for the Chinese market and we are currently in a Phase I clinical trial with Albenatide, with the aim of moving into phase II later this year,” said Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, Chairman and CEO, ConjuChem, LLC and NantWorks, LLC. “ConjuChem created the Drug Affinity Complex (DACTM) which uses recombinant human albumin to improve a drug’s therapeutic index. We are confident that working with Albumedix and its exciting albumin-based platform will enable us to reach our goal of developing a patient friendly, once-weekly diabetes treatment.”

“China currently has the largest diabetes population in the world. Through the collaborations with ConjuChem and Albumedix, we are confident that we will be able to develop a more efficacious, safer and easier to use anti-diabetes medicine which will be a significant benefit to Chinese patients,” said Mr. Shuhua Gao, Chairman and General Manager of Changshan Biochem Pharma.

Albumedix’s albumin-based drug delivery platform, known as VELTIS®, is a platform of native and engineered recombinant human albumins. When combined with a drug candidate, it offers the potential for adaptive control of therapeutic half-life. The platform can significantly improve the treatment options available to diabetes patients by maintaining the therapeutic activity for prolonged periods, opening the door towards extended dosing intervals and improved quality of life.

“The adoption of Albumedix recombinant albumin products by Changshan is yet another example of how our albumin-based solutions can help alleviate some of the many complications faced daily by patients living with chronic diseases such as diabetes,” comments Peter Rosholm, CEO, Albumedix.

This agreement comes only a few months after the US market authorization of CSL Behring’s Idelvion®, a once-every-14-day hemophilia B treatment, which also utilizes Albumedix’s albumin-based technology.

“Like Idelvion, Albenatide further demonstrates the clinical and market value of our albumin-based platform,” adds Peter Rosholm.

This agreement will not impact the 2016 financial forecast for Albumedix’s parent company, Novozymes.

For further information, please visit www.albumedix.com

Latest Opportunities

Grant and funding opportunities report from Health Innovation East

Health Innovation East has developed a grant opportunities report to help you know what may…

University of Nottingham calling decision-makers to participate in survey

The University of Nottingham invites you to participate in their survey, designed to understand your…

Expression of Interest: Cohort 2 Health Innovation East Digital Hub

Who is this programme suitable for: Small and medium-sized enterprises, along with clinical entrepreneurs and…

Latest News

Record level of government R&D investment seen in Autumn Budget 2024

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a record level of government R&D investment in the Autumn Budget…

eg technology launches Technology Readiness Level assessment

eg technology’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) assessment is a practical way for innovators to assess…

Guardtech Group win fourth award in two months with Cleancube shipping container facility innovation

The Guardtech Group has claimed a fourth awards success in the space of just two…