The Peptide Pill

Nanomerics is developing 'Peptide Pill' products. 
 
METDoloron

METDoloron is an oral analgesic based on an endogenous peptide. METDoloron allows treatment of severe chronic pain as a 'Peptide Pill' using Nanomerics' MET technology.
According to the WHO up to 80 % of the world population has either no or insufficient access to treatment for moderate to severe pain.  Chronic pain has a disease burden greater than that of diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined (2006) and an estimated impact on the economy of $100 billion a year in the United States (2006). An estimated 70 - 105 million Americans and around 20% of adults in Europe suffer from severe chronic pain. 

The clinical management of chronic pain can be challenging and remains elusive for a large number of people in the world with opioids as the drugs of choice for the relief of moderate to severe somatic, visceral and neuropathic pain. However, the use of opioids is hampered by side effects, which are experienced by at least 80% of patients; these include constipation, nausea, somnolence, itching, dizziness, and vomiting. In fact, these side/adverse effects as well as the potential for addiction are some of the drivers for the development of alternatives.
The body has the innate ability to control even severe pain via the opioid receptor system (Dreborg, Sundstrom et al. 2008). The µ, ∂, and k opioid receptors predominantly act to inhibit the transmission of pain signals in the CNS as well as in the periphery. The endogenous peptide ligands for these receptors are all able to induce effective analgesia (Corbett, Henderson et al. 2006).
However, in order to be effective the peptide need to reach the brain/CNS.  This is prevented by two barriers: uptake of peptdies after oral administration does not occcur because of theri degradation and lack of abosrption/uptake in the gut.  If peptides were able to get into the blood strream (e.g. after an injection) they can not get into the brain because of the blood-brain-barrier. To date these barriers have made it impossible to use the bodies own analgesics to treat pain.
Nanomerics have demonstrated that oral administration of  endogenous peptides using our MET technology can provide pain relieve for prolonged periods of time.

Oral Absorption of Hydrophobic Drugs

Nanomerics' technology facilitates the oral absorption of hydrophobic drugs (Biopharmaceutical Classification System Class II and IV drugs).  A five fold increase in oral absorption may be achieved with certain drugs.  Co-development opportunities exist for drug discovery innovators, especially where an oral dosage form is best preferred for the target patient group.

Oral Delivery of Neuropeptides to the Brain

Nanomerics'  technology delivers hydrophilic drugs across the blood brain barrier.  Optimal pharmacodynamic activity has been demonstrated with neuropeptides formulated as Nanomerics' nanomedicines and delivered via the oral and intravenous routes.  Opportunities exist to develop specific neuropeptides as oral dosage forms