Westwood Bioscience, Inc

Liposomal delivery of small molecules has been hampered by toxicity, poor circulatory half-life, API leakage, and challenges in achieving controlled incorporation of multiple drugs in one product. Silicasomes are comprised of a mesoporous silica core that, under optimized conditions, contain a multitude of hollow spiral “tubes” – a bit like a sponge. Size and particle distribution of this “bare mesoporous nanoparticle” (“MNSP”) can be carefully and reproducibly controlled. A protonating agent is added to the MNSP which are then coated with a single lipid bilayer. The lipid bilayer protects the MNSP while in the circulation and helps prevent leakage of the drug payload. One or more drugs can then be added to the MNSP, to the lipid bilayer or to both, in a very controlled ratiometric manner. All components of the Silicasome are bio-degradable or absorbable and are non-toxic. In animal models, irinotecan-loaded Silicasomes demonstrated increased efficacy and virtually no toxicity as compared to free irinotecan or a marketed liposome-delivered formulation, including in very challenging mouse models bearing human tumors. With better efficacy and no demonstrable toxicity in animal studies, and significantly improved drug loading capacity, drug retention and stability as compared to traditional liposomal delivery technologies, Silicasomes provide the technology for Westwood to become a leader in drug delivery. We are currently pursuing oncology opportunities with a lead product intended to target pancreatic, colon cancers and lung cancers.