Allergica signs contract with US institute for development of asthma drug

Allergica signs contract with US institute for development of asthma drug

Guy Grimland, The Marker, May 5, 2006 

Allergica, a subsidiary of Bio Light Israeli Life Sciences Investments, has signed an agreement with a prominent research institute in the United States.

The Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute (LRRI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico will provide development services to Allergica, including preclinical animal trials and human safety and feasibility trials. LRRI is a non-profit organization with more than 500 employees, is considered one of the leading institutions for drug and medical device development in the field of respiratory diseases, particularly asthma.

The trials will involve the inhalable version of the drug being developed by Allergica. The pharmaceutical is based on the research of Dr. Roni Sagi-Eisenberg of Tel Aviv University. The drug is designed to prevent the secretion of allergic and inflammatory mediators from mast cells, the key players in allergic responses. The drug under development is intended to treat asthma, skin diseases such as dermatitis, and eye infections. The market size for such treatments is estimated at $16 billion.

Bio Light estimates the costs at $200,000 for the animal preclinical trials, and $1.5-2 million for the feasibility human trials (prior to clinical trials with the FDA). Allergica plans to begin human clinical trials within 18 months of the start of the program.