Calzada Limited (CZD) is pleased to announce that the company has today signed a licensing deal with Melbourne biotechnology company Phosphagenics Limited (POH) to launch a cosmeceutical product containing Calzada’s anti anti-obesity peptide, known as AOD9604, in combination with Phosphagenics’ TPMTM technology. Phosphagenics has completed formulation, development and testing, successfully demonstrating increased skin absorption of AOD9604. Human studies of the novel TPMTM/anti peptide product will be conducted in Australia to study the efficacy of TPMTM/anti- fat of the cosmeceutical product, with Phosphagenics on track to launch the product to world markets as a cosmetic in early 2011.
AOD9604 is a 16 amino acid peptide derived from human growth hormone that has undergone pre undergone pre-clinical and clinical testing in multiple human trials in an oral dosage form. In a large phase 2 human trial AOD9604 was unable to demonstrate weight loss across the entire study population, although some positive weight loss was evident in a large female sub-group. The Phosphagenics commercial strategy is to re formulate the oral compound into a topical cream utilizing re-formulate TPMTM for cosmetic application. TPMTM has reproducibly shown the ability to deliver range of different actives into the skin, including proteins significantly larger than AOD9604. It is anticipated this approach will enhance the delivery of AOD9604 directly to problem areas, circumventing the need for oral absorption.
Announcing the new licensing deal, Phosphagenics CEO Dr Esra Ogru said, “There is little doubt that the compound has huge potential. Topical delivery could by pass earlier problems associated with oral absorption by-pass and efficacy of AOD9604.” She said the company had already sourced the peptide from a low-cost Asian manufacturer, had formulated and cost developed a topical product using TPMTM. Phosphagenics has mapped out a commercial and marketing strategy for the product and expects these activities to commence in early 2011 through multiple distribution channels. Dr Ogru said the existing cosmetic market is very large with around $US3 billion spent globally each year on products that promise “firming” or anti-cellulite results. She said “Phosphagenics’ TPMTM delivery technology is backed by solid scientific and clinical data which clearly Phosphagenics’ scientific differentiates our new offering from the leading products in the cosmetic sector.”
www.metabolic.com.au/
http://www.traderdealer.com.au/Fundamentals/czd
www.phosphagenics.com
http://www.traderdealer.com.au/Fundamentals/poh
