SBIR phase 2 grant will allow the firm to test the drug in animal models and move on to optimization.
PLx Pharma received a $730,000 SBIR grant from the U.S. Army. The money will support the continued development of PL 4500, a molecular complex of indomethacin and phosphatidylcholine that is being developed as a GI-safer anti-inflammatory and analgesic in both oral and IV formulations.
Under this phase 2 award, PLx will collaborate with the University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston and the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston to capitalize on unique and established animal models to expand on PL 4500’s potential to safely treat inflammation and pain due to surgery or trauma. The partners will also carry out formulation optimization and manufacturing process-development activities to support commercial development.
During the first phase of the program, PL 4500 was shown in in vivo and in vitro models to provide a longer period of analgesia with less GI toxicity than traditional indomethacin at standard doses while providing an equivalent degree of anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy, according to PLx Pharma.
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