From AAPS: Southern BioSystems collaborating with AstraZeneca on controlled delivery

Southern BioSystems Inc. (SBS; Birmingham, AL) has entered into a collaboration with AstraZeneca to investigate the feasibility of an injectable sustained release formulation of an undisclosed drug using SBS' SABER drug delivery system. Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

SABER drug delivery system, which is based on sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), allows formulations to be developed having release profiles varying from hours to months. To formulate with SABER, a solvent and other suitable biocompatible excipients are added to the SAIB forming a low viscosity system for injection. When the SABER system with the drug is injected, the SABER forms a high viscosity gel depot providing sustained release of the drug.

Sucrose acetate isobutyrate used in SABER is supplied by Eastman Chemical Co., which holds an equity position in SBS.

Southern BioSystems, founded in 1991, researches and develops controlled-release products for the pharmaceutical industry using a variety of technology platforms. SBS' wholly owned subsidiary, Birmingham Polymers, Inc. (BPI), sells biodegradable polymers worldwide to the pharmaceutical and medical-device industries.

For more information: Scott Watson, Director of Business and Corporate Development, Southern BioSystems, Inc., 756 Tom Martin Drive, Birmingham, AL 35211-4467. Tel: 205-917-2220. Fax: 205-917-2240.

Visit Southern BioSystems at the AAPS Meeting, booths 1327-1328.

Edited by Angelo DePalma
Managing Editor, Pharmaceutical Online and Drug Discovery Online
Email: adepalma@vertical.net