Midatech Pharma Plc (LON:MTPH Nasdaq:MTP) has started a phase I safety trial for a diabetes vaccine (MTX102) that uses its gold nanoparticle (GNP) technology.
It was the first investigational use of the GNP technology in humans and as an immunotherapy said Jim Phillips, Midatech’s chief executive.
Results from the study are expected in 2017, where Midatech will also assess the nano-vaccine’s potential in cancer applications.
The MTX102 vaccine uses Midatech's primary platform GNP technology.
“GNPs bind to small antigens which generate a tolerogenic response when injected into the skin, turning down the immune response against the insulin producing cells which cause type 1 diabetes,” it said.
As well as safety and tolerance, the study will also assess the feasibility of delivering GNP via microneedles and the scale and nature of immune responses generated in the body.
The trial will be conducted in Cardiff and Linköping in Sweden.
“We are hopeful that this trial will demonstrate the broad applicability of our technology and is exciting for the future of our R&D pipeline,” Phillips added.