Cook Biotech will collaborate with drug-delivery maker AcuityBio on Acuity’s lead lung cancer product, the companies said today.
Acuity’s ABC103 will use Cook Biotech’s proprietary extracellular matrix (ECM) technology. ABC103 is a platform technology designed for localized, sustained drug delivery to prevent post-surgical lung cancer recurrence. It combines approved/ cleared surgical staple-line buttress, drug-eluting polymers and a chemotherapeutic drug, paclitaxel.
The FDA has granted ABC103 orphan drug designation for this indication. Phase I clinical testing of is scheduled to begin in late 2019. Acuity is developing other applications for the ABC drug-delivery platform.
“We believe that the solidification of our relationship with Cook Biotech will allow us to build on our two companies’ strengths, such as AcuityBio’s drug-delivery expertise and Cook Biotech’s unique medical device technology platform, know-how, and market experience,” said John Schwartz, president & CEO of Newton, Mass.-based Acuity Bio, in a prepared statement. “Working together will speed development of our combined AcuityBio-Cook Biotech lead product for lung cancer, ABC103, ultimately providing a solution to a critical unmet medical need and the betterment of patient outcomes.”
“For more than 20 years, our ECM technology has been used to improve the lives of patients worldwide,” addedCook Biotech President Umesh Patel. “We are excited to partner with AcuityBio to help bring a medical solution that can potentially save lives.”
The terms of the agreements remain confidential. Acuity Bio is the latest addition to the list of partners and distributors for Cook Biotech. An affiliate of Cook Medical, the biotech company has agreements with AxoGen Inc., Aziyo Biologics, Cook Medical, Cormatrix, Katena Products, Keystone Dental, Progressive Medical, and Smith & Nephew to develop new products and provide technical support.
In July, Cook Medical announced the launch and first use of its Advance CS coronary sinus infusion catheter and Compass CT disposable pressure transducer designed for treating heart failure patients.
