Ark Therapeutics and PsiOxus announce manufacturing alliance

Ark Therapeutics has entered into a new manufacturing partnership alliance with PsiOxus Therapeutics, pertaining to the development of a colorectal cancer therapy.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ark will provide full manufacturing and related services to support the development of PsiOxus' ColoAd1 programme, in exchange for an undisclosed fee.

Specifically, Ark will be providing oncolytic adenoviral material for intravenous administration during toxicological and phase I/II clinical studies, utilising its suspension-based single-use system.

PsiOxus states that Ark was chosen as a partner based on its expertise in terms of manufacturing technology and regulatory affairs, as well as its development capabilities.

Martyn Williams, chief executive officer of Ark, said: "We are delighted to announce the partnership with PsiOxus for their highly promising ColoAd1 programme … We look forward to a long and successful partnership."

Last month, Ark published its interim results for the first half of 2011, during which it was able to achieve milestones such as the sale of its woundcare business and the appointment of a new chief financial officer.