SciSparc has identified a new way to get its cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2R) agonist to targets in the brain. Having run initial studies on an intravenous formulation, the Israeli biotech is now teaming up with Polyrizon to develop an intranasal version that maintains pain-relieving concentrations of the drug.
Last year, SciSparc presented top-line preclinical data on its CB2R candidate, SCI-160. The study linked the candidate to the alleviation of pain up to six hours after injection in animals. SciSparc reported positive results on daily doses after surgery, leading it to pitch SCI-160 as a treatment for acute and chronic pain and push it toward a first-in-human clinical trial.
Now, SciSparc is looking beyond the intravenous formulation by inking a deal to access an intranasal drug delivery technology. Adi Zuloff-Shani, chief technology officer at SciSparc, set out the thinking behind the decision to commit up to $2.55 million to work with Polyrizon.
“SciSparc’s objective to revolutionize cannabinoids treatment and to develop best in class therapies continues with this collaboration agreement as we work to develop effective approaches to intranasal drug delivery, which is one of the preferred delivery options for targeting the brain. Partnering with Polyrizon and taking advantage of their innovative delivery technology may create mutual opportunities to develop treatments for pain,” Zuloff-Shani said in a statement.
Polyrizon is contributing its Trap and Target platform to the alliance. The platform uses biodegradable polymers to prolong the residence time of the formulation in the nose. As olfactory and trigeminal nerve pathways offer a route to the brain, keeping a CB2R agonist in the nose could theoretically help relieve pain.
The potential for Trap and Target to offer a route to the brain has led Polyrizon to explore its use in the delivery of benzodiazepines and naloxone. The platform also has applications in the local administration of corticosteroids.