Pronova, FMC ink agreement to develop alginate-based products

PHILADELPHIA AND LYSAKER, Norway Pronova BioPharma and FMC have signed a license and development agreement to develop products using an alginate or algae based capsule technology, according to published reports.

Pronova will initially use FMC’s technology with its omega-3 drug Lovaza/Omacor, which is used for the treatment of elevated levels of triglycerides. FMC’s technology uses the alginate as the main component in the capsule shell and can reduce the size of the capsule by 25 percent by making a thinner shell wall.

Under the terms of the agreement, FMC will apply its technology to Pronova’s products while Pronova will be responsible for clinical development and for securing regulatory approval.

Pronova anticipates clinical trials of the new capsule using the technology to begin in early 2009 with a market launch in 2010/2011.

“The new alginate capsule technology has the potential to deliver significant benefits for patients, as well as creating important patent life-extensions for Omacor/Lovaza and other products under development in our pipeline,” Pronova chief executive Tomas Settevik said.