Researchers at LATITUDE Pharmaceuticals have created a first-of-its-kind stable, injectable liquid glucagon formulation called Nano-G, which is based on the company’s injectable nanoemulsion drug delivery platform called Nano-E.
At present, glucagon is used for treating insulin-stimulated hypoglycemia in case of emergency and as a diagnostic tool for radiological tests. Scientists have shown interest in assessing glucagon for the bi-hormonal insulin and glucagon pump, and for treating obesity and preventing hypoglycemia. However, their attempts failed because of lack of a stable ready-to-inject glucagon formulation.
Glucagon is offered as a dried powder as it is an unstable and insoluble molecule. It is made usable by dissolving it in an acid solution followed by a complex eight-step procedure, which is a tedious task during acute hypoglycemia. Nano-G is an isotonic and pH-neutral aqueous formulation devoid of detergents. It comprises only FDA-cleared injectable ingredients. Its shelf life is two years according to an accelerated ICH stability test results for a stringent six-month real-time period. Its stability at body temperature makes it ideal for subcutaneous infusion pump delivery.
The President at LATITUDE Pharmaceuticals, Dr. Andrew Chen stated that Nano-G meets the requirement for a quickly self-administered, injectable glucagon for preventing hypoglycemia and is the missing link required for the bi-hormonal pump and anti-obesity therapies. Nano-G’s high regulatory familiarity and stability enable it to be commercialized rapidly at a lower cost and risk to offer unprecedented key therapeutic options for obesity and diabetes. The company is looking for partners to bring this multi-billion dollar prospect to the marketplace.
Source: http://www.latitudepharma.com/