Immune Pharmaceuticals Expands Immuno-Dermatology Development Portfolio With Topical Nano-Formulated Cyclosporine A

Immune Pharmaceuticals Inc. entered into a binding Memorandum of Understanding with Yissum, the Technology Transfer Company of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem regarding the worldwide exclusive licensing and development of a topical, biodegradable, nano-capsule formulation of cyclosporine A. Cyclosporine A, when administered systemically (Sandimmune®, Neoral®), is an effective treatment for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, pemphigus vulgaris and other severe inflammatory dermatoses.

Dr. Daniel Teper, the CEO of Immune Pharmaceuticals, commented: "Following our lead product candidate bertilimumab in bullous pemphigoid, we are excited to expand our immuno-dermatology portfolio with an innovative topical formulation of cyclosporine A. Additionally, we are further strengthening both our nanotechnology platform and our partnership with Yissum, which already includes NanomAbs®".

The topical nano-capsule technology and the application to cyclosporine A have been developed by the team of Professor Simon Benita, former Director of the Institute for Drug Research and Dean of the School of Pharmacy at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Professor Benita pioneered an ocular nano-formulation of cyclosporine A, approved for marketing in Europe for the treatment of severe keratitis associated with dry eye disease. 

Professor Benita commented: "We succeeded in incorporating cyclosporine A into biodegradable nano-capsules and have developed stable topical formulations able to achieve therapeutic cyclosporine A levels in the targeted skin layers. Cyclosporine A nano-capsule therapeutic effect was confirmed in two different animal models, which we believe may support a potential topical alternative to oral cyclosporine A, and to other topical immuno-suppressive drugs."