Takeda and BioSurfaces study nanomaterials therapeutic efficacy.

Takeda and BioSurfaces, Inc. have agreed to initiate a joint research program to develop therapeutic devices to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract using BioSurfaces’ bioactive nanomaterial technology. According to their agreement, Takeda will combine its technical expertise in gastroenterology with BioSurfaces’ innovative nanomaterials, medical device design and fabrication experience to develop novel devices for treating GI indications.

“Our research collaboration will lead to the development of cutting-edge use of biopolymers and device fabrication technology,” said Vincent Ling, Ph.D., Senior Director of the Materials and Innovation for Takeda Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Application of developed technology has the potential to help prevent strictures and promote healing of fistulas, which are common manifestations of GI diseases. We are excited to partner with BioSurfaces, whose pioneering technology aids our strategy of applying novel biomaterials to treat gastrointestinal diseases.”

Takeda said that it has a long history of material innovation and that the collaboration with BioSurfaces will help expand the company’s therapeutic modalities into nano-scale biomaterials. For its part, BioSurfaces said it brings to the table a “groundbreaking” process for manufacturing nanofibrous materials from FDA-approved polymers. These materials, said BioSurfaces, demonstrate improved biocompatibility and are able to be formed in a variety of difficult to manufacture shapes and designs. BioSurfaces said that, through the company’s proprietary manufacturing process, nanomaterials can be directly combined with APIs or other biotherapeutic agents.

BioSurfaces said it has been developing and refining its nanomaterial technology for more than 13 years; Matthew Phaneuf, President and CTO of BioSurfaces, said various devices using the company’s technology have been shown to fully integrate with the body’s own tissue in preclinical studies, something he explained is a major differentiator from current woven and knitted textile materials. “In addition to improved healing, our technology is designed to deliver drugs and/or bioactive agents directly to the disease area,” continued Phaneuf, “putting the treatment right where it should be and not throughout the whole body, thereby reducing possible complications. These attributes are promising for the next generation of medical devices and drug-delivery systems.”