Iconovo AB, a developer of inhalable drugs based on proprietary inhalers and dry powder formulations, and Lonza, a healthcare development and manufacturing organization, have joined forces to develop spray-dried formulations of an intranasal biologic for Iconovo’s proprietary intranasal device ICOone Nasal.

This project is the first in Iconovo’s strategic initiative to reformulate known pharmaceuticals and replace injections and oral treatments with inhalation.

According to the agreement, Lonza will develop spray-dried formulations for administration in the ICOone Nasal device at its Bend (US) site. The collaboration aims to identify the ideal product properties concerning particle size, stability, and device compatibility while preserving biological activity.

The Iconovo inhaler platform, ICOone Nasal, is a proprietary nasal device that releases the dose when the user inhales. One inhaler and an inhale through each nostril should administer a standard dose of the biologic compound, challenging the need for today’s injected formulation.

Johan Wäborg, CEO, Iconovo, 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.”

Kim Shepard, Director of Advanced Drug Delivery, Lonza, 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.”