Atrix Laboratories Inc announced that the company has signed a limited feasibility agreement with Aventis SA to begin preliminary research on two proprietary Aventis compounds formulated in Atrix's delivery technology, Atrigel. The current agreement is specific for these compounds in an undisclosed therapeutic area.

"We are pleased that Aventis chose Atrix for this innovative development initiative," said David R. Bethune, Atrix's chairman and chief executive officer. "We believe our Atrigel drug delivery technology brings several advantages in sustained release to these challenging compounds."

Atrix Laboratories, Inc. is an emerging specialty pharmaceutical company focused on advanced drug delivery. With unique extended release and topical technologies, Atrix is currently developing a diverse portfolio of proprietary products, including oncology, pain management, and dermatology products. The company also partners with large pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies to apply its proprietary technologies to new chemical entities or to extend the patent life of existing products.