February 19, 2009: APR Applied Pharma Research SA has acquired a patented nanocoating process for the preparation of biotech products that treat diseases in multiple therapeutic areas, the company announced in a news release.

APR is already developing specific applications of the resulting products in ophthalmology and dermatology, said the company, which did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition.

“We decided to acquire this new platform technology when we understood the great potential of combining a process based on nanocoating technology to totally biological compounds to obtain products with powerful healing capabilities and minimal side effects or tolerability issues,” Paolo Galfetti, APR’s CEO, said in the news release. “The products based on this new technology may unlock new therapeutic solutions to unmet needs in several critical therapeutic areas.”

APR has first targeted the treatment of eye injuries, including cataract, chronic and acute infected wounds, as well as surgically induced wounds and skin and eye infections, — areas in which initial tests made with the first product derived from the new technology showed most promising results, the company said.

APR has already performed several in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical tests studying the critical features of the first product obtained with the nanocoating process, including its chemical analysis, stability, toxicology, safety and efficacy with positive and promising results. Also a Phase II study in surgically induced wounds has been performed with excellent results, the company said, adding that APR is now ready to enter the first clinical studies in eye wound and cataract healing.