The Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine (ITEM) has acquired Takeda’s Surfactant and Continuous Powder Aerosolization (CPA) program, the company said. According to the announcement, the transfer took place as Takeda shut down its respiratory department; Takeda sold its core respiratory business to AstraZeneca in December 2015.
According to Fraunhofer ITEM, “The transfer includes the CPA technology platform – the technology for continuous aerosolization of powdery substances – and the know-how to manufacture recombinant surfactant protein C, together with the associated intellectual property. Fraunhofer ITEM is thus in a position to continue the development of therapies involving continuous inhalation of surfactant and other medications, begun 10 years ago as contract research on behalf of industry.”
The CPA technology, according to the company, can be used to deliver aerosolized surfactant powders to patients of all ages, from preterm neonates to adults, can deliver high doses of non-soluble drugs, and offers high lung deposition.
Fraunhofer ITEM Head of Medical Inhalation Technology Gerhard Pohlmann commented, “As a long-standing partner in the CPA program, Fraunhofer ITEM is delighted to continue development of the surfactant and CPA technology platform. We are currently in the strategic process of reorganizing the program and selecting development partners.”
Read the Fraunhofer ITEM press release.
