According to the agreement, Lonza will develop spray-dried formulations for administration in the ICOone Nasal® device at its Bend site (Oregon, US), which specializes in addressing bioavailability challenges and modulating pharmacokinetics to meet target product profiles. 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 unique and proprietary nasal device that releases the dose when the user inhales. One inhaler and an inhalation through each nostril should administer a standard dose of the biologic compound, challenging the need for today’s injected formulation.

“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,” says Johan Wäborg, CEO of Iconovo.

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

“This collaboration, leveraging Iconovo’s innovative intranasal delivery technology alongside our expertise in spray-dried formulations, underscores our commitment to advancing patient care by developing innovative products. We believe that combining our strengths can lead to the development of patient-friendly products and a long-lasting, successful collaboration,” says Jan Vertommen, Vice President, Head of Commercial Development, Lonza Small Molecules.