Spray drying experts Lonza will develop spray dried dry powder formulations for delivery by Iconovo‘s ICOone Nasal device, the companies announced. According to the announcement, the collaboration involves “a reformulated substance for obesity.” In May 2024, Iconovo said that it intended to develop inhaled GLP-1 receptor agonists for the treatment of obesity.
Iconovo CEO Johan Wäborg commented, “Lonza is a world leader in bioavailability enhancement and renowned for its spray-drying capabilities of biologics. Combined with Iconovo’s unique nasal inhaler, we expect the result to be an unprecedented patient-friendly product, and we hope that this cooperation will lead to a fruitful, long-term collaboration that goes beyond this specific project.”
Lonza Director of Advanced Drug Delivery Kim Shepard said, “Our team at Lonza’s respiratory center of excellence in Bend is pleased to work with Iconovo on its innovative applications, combining Lonza’s particle engineering expertise with Iconovo’s state-of-the-art devices. Delivering non-invasive and accessible therapies to patients in need is a focus area for both companies.”
Lonza VP, Head of Commercial Development, Small Molecules, Jan Vertommen, said, “This collaboration, leveraging Iconovo’s innovative intranasal delivery technology alongside our expertise in spray-dried formulations, underscores our commitment to advancing patient care by developing innovative products. We believe that combining our strengths can lead to the development of patient-friendly products and a long-lasting, successful collaboration.”
Read the Lonza and Iconovo press release