Multidisciplinary drug discovery company Argent BioPharma Ltd (LSE:MXC, OTC:RGTLF, ASX:RGT) has struck up a strategic collaboration with SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, to tackle the critical clinical challenge of chronic wound management with shares trading higher as a result.
Expanding into new therapeutic areas
The collaboration will help the biotech expand into new therapeutic areas with a focus on nano-formulations.
Chronic wounds pose a major public health issue, inflicting severe suffering on patients and affecting large numbers of people around the world.
These wounds present complex challenges such as antibiotic-resistant infections, impenetrable biofilms and deteriorating local tissue health.
Through the partnership with SINTEF, Argent BioPharma aims to make strides in the treatment of chronic wounds, ultimately improving the quality of life for affected patients.
Investors have welcomed the news with shares as much as 54.91% higher to $0.395.
On the horizon
The partnership will train its sights on key areas such as:
- Identification and selection of novel anti-microbial active ingredients - The initial phase will involve experiments to identify and select antimicrobial agents with multiple medically beneficial activities, particularly from repurposed polypharmacological agents.
- Improving local tissue health and symptomatic relief - SINTEF will explore the chosen active ingredients for their anti-biofilm properties as well as their ability to modify skin health and alleviate symptoms.
- Optimising nano-formulations - The project will also focus on enhancing the pharmacological features of selected active ingredients through nano-formulations, which are expected to improve drug delivery, increase biofilm penetration and ensure sustained release of active compounds.
Argent BioPharma will incur all project costs, though these are not expected to have a material impact on the company’s ongoing expenses.
Importantly, the company will retain ownership of all project results, including any developed intellectual property.