Debiopharm S.A., the independent drug-development company specialising in oncology, endocrinology and niche products, has signed a research collaboration with NanoCarrier Co., Ltd, a company specializing in the development of drugs based on their proprietary micellar nanoparticle drug delivery systems (DDS) technology, to develop a new platinum compound.

Under this collaboration, Debiopharm has the exclusive option to license-in a DACH-platin-PEG-polyglutamic acid (DACH Platin Medicelle) from NanoCarrier, for use in oncology. Preliminary animal experiments demonstrate that the Medicelle technology offers enhanced permeability and retention of the compound in the tumour, leading to improved efficacy and toxicity profiles.

Under the terms of the agreement, Debiopharm will fund the entire development of the product. In addition, NanoCarrier will receive cash milestones at different stages of the development and royalties when the product is marketed.

"Coupling Debiopharm's expertise in oncology drug development, particularly platinum compounds, with Nanocarriers's expertise in the innovative Medicelle technology and manufacturing, gives us a high chance of success to bring a better targeted, more efficacious, and safer drug to cancer patients," said Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, president and CEO of Debiopharm.