Impel and 3M Partner to Advance Olfactory Drug Delivery

3M Drug Delivery Systems (3M) and Impel NeuroPharma Inc (Impel) formed a strategic alliance to advance Impel’s Precision Olfactory Delivery (POD) technology for the enhanced central nervous system (CNS) delivery of drug products, the companies announced in an Oct. 5, 2015 press release.

The alliance with 3M will enable Impel to expedite the development and commercialization of the POD technology and accelerate Impel’s internal pipeline into late-stage clinical trials and subsequent global regulatory submissions. As part of the deal, 3M and Impel will collaborate on programs directed to the continued development and commercialization of POD technology. The alliance will leverage 3M’s experience with inhaled and nasal drug delivery devices.

Impel’s POD technology deposits drugs deep into the upper nasal cavity where it can achieve delivery into the brain and central nervous system. POD is a handheld, cost-effective, non-invasive means for delivering CNS therapeutics that can be self-administered by a patient, caregiver, physician, or even family member. POD technology has been shown to be effective across diverse therapeutic areas including Alzheimer's disease, migraine, and pain management, noted the press release.

“Impel’s POD technology provides an important solution to an unmet need in the drug delivery marketplace,” said Cindy Kent, president and general manager of 3M Drug Delivery Systems, in the press release.

Source: 3M