Elan Corporation, plc has entered into a broad license agreement with Roche around Elan's proprietary NanoCrystal technology. The agreement will provide Roche with access to NanoCrystal technology and the right to apply it to a number of proprietary drug candidates. Elan will receive development milestones and royalties on sales of any product incorporating the use of NanoCrystal technology.

NanoCrystal technology is designed to enhance the clinical performance of poorly water-soluble drugs by transforming them into nanometer-sized particles. The technology allows the drug to dissolve faster and more completely in the gastrointestinal tract, enabling it to be more easily absorbed by the body. The NanoCrystal technology can be incorporated into all dosage forms both parenteral and oral; including solid, liquid, fast-melt, pulsed release and controlled release.

Paul Breen, executive VP, Global Services & Operations, Elan said, "We are very pleased to broaden our license agreement with Roche. This agreement highlights the robustness of the technology and the interest of pharmaceutical companies to use this technology. This past year saw the third product launched in the US incorporating our NanoCrystal technology. This agreement brings to a close a very successful year for Elan's drug delivery efforts."

"We are pleased to add this technology to our formulation development options and are enthusiastic about its drug delivery potential," Ursula Redeker, Roche's Global Head of Safety & Technical Sciences said adding, "This agreement further strengthens our ability to deliver value for patients as we continue to develop innovative, differentiated medicines."

Elan's NanoCrystal Technology is protected by more than 130 US and foreign patents and patent applications.