DRDC licenses anti-anthrax technology to Aradigm

Defence R&D Canada (DRDC) has entered into an $2.9-million deal with Hayward CA-based Aradigm Corp to develop an aerosol delivery mechanism for liposomal-encapsulated ciproflaxicin for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by anthrax and other biological agents. The agreement will see DRDC fund Aradigm’s product and formulation development and initial pre-clinical studies, building on DRDC’s proof-of-principle work. Aradigm will hold the intellectual property (IP) rights to the so-called anti-anthrax inhaler, which could also have civilian as well as military applications. DRDC research on the inhaler was conducted under the management of Don Van Loon, who is managing other related projects. Aradigm has also secured an exclusive worldwide license to IP relating to the manufacture of liposomal ciproflaxicin from Inex Pharmaceuticals Corp, Vancouver. It has also licensed technology from Vancouver’s Northern Lipids Inc, a contract research organization specializing in the development of lipid-based pharmaceutical formulations….