GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Starpharma (ASX:SPL, OTCQX:SPHRY) today announced that GSK was awarded a grant to advance a dermal treatment based on Starpharma’s dendrimer drug delivery technology.

The funds will be used to support Starpharma’s synthesis of dendrimer-based drug candidates which will then be tested by Stiefel, a GSK company with a view to further development towards a dermal product.

The funding has been provided under a grant program run by the Victorian Government.

Dr Jackie Fairley, CEO Starpharma said “We are very pleased to have this opportunity to further develop our valued relationship with GSK through their dermatology business Stiefel. We remain extremely upbeat about the value of dendrimers for a wide range of drug delivery applications and look forward to working with Stiefel to apply our technology to dermal applications.”

Ms Deborah Waterhouse, General Manager GSK Aus & NZ said “The partnership with Starpharma is an exciting step forward for Stiefel, which is committed to innovation in dermatology leading to new medicines for patients.” 

Starpharma’s dendrimers are a type of precisely-defined, branched nanoparticle. In pharmaceuticals dendrimers have applications in enhancing drug half-life, solublising drugs, and targeting drugs to specific destinations in the body. More widely dendrimers have applications in medical, electronics, chemicals and materials industries.

Download ASX Announcement: GSK awarded funds to advance dermal treatment with Starpharma's dendrimers (pdf file, 47kb)

About GSK

GlaxoSmithKline is a global research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare company with a proud history in Australia dating back to 1886. We collaborate with local researchers and doctors to discover new ways of treating and preventing disease, investing around $45.2 million a year in research and development. We are pioneering new treatments for complex diseases like cancer, and we are leaders in vaccine technology and the treatment of respiratory disease, anti-virals, central nervous system and diabetes. We currently have over 30 discovery projects underway and our Medicines Research Unit is the only Phase 1 facility supported by a pharmaceutical company in Australia. Stiefel, a GSK company, specialises in dermatology.

About Stiefel, a GSK company 

 Stiefel, a GSK company, is committed to advancing dermatology and skin science around the world in order to help people better achieve healthier skin.  Stiefel’s dedication to innovation, along with its focus on pharmaceutical, over-the-counter and aesthetic dermatology products, has established Stiefel as a world leader in the skin health industry.  To learn more about Stiefel, visit www.stiefel.com.