Encap targets growth opportunities in colonic delivery

The contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) has licensed a coating that breaks down at a certain pH and in the presence of some microbiota to administer a therapeutic to the colon, which could be used to treat diseases including colorectal cancer.

Targeted delivery to the colon is being sought by pharmas to treat diseases localised there, such as ulcerative colitis, and also because the organ is the site of adsorption for certain molecules.

Encap believes there is potential to administer a wide range of drugs to the colon and is building a portfolio of delivery systems under the name Encode (Encap colonic delivery).

The Phloral delivery system has been licensed from the School of Pharmacy, University of London, UK to expand this portfolio. Pholoral uses two complementary mechanisms to trigger drug release, unlike existing methods that rely on pH.

Intra and inter patient variability in transit times and pH means that relying on this system can result in the therapeutic passing through without being released. Phloral improves on this by adding a component that is broken down by microbiota in the colonic region, according to Encap.

Incorporating this second part means that if one component remains intact there is still a chance the other will degrade and release the therapeutic at the target site.

Liquid dosage forms​

Encap believes that its liquid fill technologies and experience in developing liquid dosage forms offer it an advantage in formulating treatments targeting the colon.

In the colonic region there is a relatively low amount of water and this can affect the dissolution of dosage forms. Consequently Encap is looking to use its liquid fill technologies to make it feasible to deliver a wider range of therapeutics to the colonic region.