3M and Radius to collaborate on osteoporosis drug delivery

3M is allying with Radius Health on the development of a transdermal delivery option for a new osteoporosis treatment.

The companies are collaboratively creating a microneedle patch for use in the administration of BA058, a novel parathyroid hormone-related protein analogue developed by Radius.

It utilises 3M's patented Microstructured Transdermal System microneedle technology to deliver the drug through the skin, combining the speed and effectiveness of an injection with the convenience of a transdermal patch.

Development work has already commenced on the new patch, with phase I clinical studies now underway.

Jim Vaughan, division vice-president and general manager of 3M's drug delivery systems division, said: "This collaboration continues the validation of 3M's microneedle patch technology and provides an excellent example of how our technology adds value for promising new therapeutic agents."

Earlier this month, the company launched Clean-Trace, a new hygiene management system for hospitals that makes it easier to detect invisible infectious material.