Midatech Group Ltd., a global leader for the design, development, synthesis and manufacture of nanomedicines, and MonoSol Rx, the leader in developing and manufacturing pharmaceutical films based on its proprietary PharmFilm drug delivery technology, announced the filing of a provisional US patent application for "Nanoparticle Film Delivery Systems." The applications submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) relate to therapeutic uses of nanoparticle-based proteins and peptides delivered in pharmaceutical films.

The Nanoparticle film delivery system could be used to overcome the difficulties associated with the delivery of biologic therapies to the circulatory system, allowing for a unique, more effective, convenient and efficient delivery system of biologics, through buccal or sublingual administration.

The delivery system facilitates transport of a therapy into the bloodstream without exposure to the gastrointestinal tract of the patient, avoiding gastrointestinal destruction and/or side-effects often associated with the oral drug delivery of certain molecules. Additionally, the combination of these technologies allows for the oral delivery of an entire class of therapies previously available primarily through injection.

The joint patent application relates to film delivery systems comprising nanoparticles, particularly for use in medicine, and includes methods and systems for the treatment of disorders of blood glucose in diabetic conditions. The patent is directed at compositions, delivery systems, products and methods of making and administering such compositions to sufferers.

Commenting on the filing of the patent, Professor Tom Rademacher, chairman of Midatech Group said: "The filing of this patent will enable us to fully commercialise this exciting new drug delivery technology. The system has the potential to solve many of the problems associated with the effective delivery of biologics, and we are very pleased to be continuing our collaboration with Monosol Rx."

Mark Schobel, president and CEO of MonoSol Rx added: "Midatech's ability to develop nanomedicines makes it an ideal partner to ensure we are able to fully exploit our PharmFilm technology. Our film technology delivering nanoparticles provides new ways for the effective delivery of drug treatments that are attractive to patients and caregivers alike. In the case of biologics, especially in chronic care situations, the ability to provide therapeutic value without regular injections can provide a vast improvement over current therapies."

Since 2008, MonoSol Rx and Midatech have been collaborating on nanoparticle and PharmFilm drug delivery technologies. PharmFilm formulations under the collaboration have the potential to provide an easy-to-use, noninvasive delivery alternative to many of today's injectable and intravenous therapeutics.

Midatech Group Ltd, UK, is a world leader in the design, synthesis and manufacture of biocompatible nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can be used to create a wide variety of products with novel characteristics, functions and applications for a number of industry segments including life sciences, electronics and fine chemicals.

MonoSol Rx is a specialty pharmaceutical company leveraging its proprietary PharmFilm technology to deliver unique proprietary pharmaceutical drug films. PharmFilm is designed to benefit patients by improving the convenience, efficacy, and compliance of new and currently marketed drugs.