October 24, 2008: NanoPacific Holdings Inc. (NPH) has executed two additional licenses with UCLA for nanoemulsions (including double nanoemulsions) and polypeptides. These nano technologies are highly adaptable and may be used in a variety of applications. Under the terms of agreement between NPH and UCLA, NPH will have an exclusive worldwide license to key intellectual property. These are integral components of NPH’s nano controlled-delivery platform and provide complimentary novel technologies to its porous nanoparticles, previously licensed from UCLA, capable of storing and selectively releasing guest molecules via nanoscale gates that can be opened and closed at will on the surface of the nanoparticles. This will significantly expand NPH’s nano controlled-delivery capabilities.
“These are exciting times — as novel emulsification methods are combined with advances in molecular design, nanoemulsions can be fashioned with extraordinary properties and potential commercial applications,” says Prof. Thomas Mason, UCLA associate professor of chemistry and physics, and John McTague chair of chemistry.
The polypeptide technology covers novel methodology for synthesis of well-defined block copolypeptides, synthetic polymers that are made up of the natural building blocks of proteins but which can be produced with the same ease as conventional plastics. These materials can be tailored to assemble into nanoscale structures for encapsulation and delivery applications, and are easily functionalized to obtain stimuli responsiveness and functionality for interacting with biological systems. Examples include polypeptide vesicles that form robust protein-like nanoshells for drug delivery, and hydrogels, whose nanofibrous structure can serve as a delivery depot or bioactive scaffold in therapeutic and cosmetic formulations.
“We value the relationship with UCLA. We will continue to work closely with premier faculty, fund sponsored research with the unwavering objective of bringing this important research from the bench to the commercial market,” said Michael Flesch, vice chairman/co-CEO.
