Vivolta and Neurochase have announced a long-term partnership focused on manufacturing electrospun microcatheters designed for the targeted delivery of advanced therapies to the central nervous system (CNS). This collaboration aims to enhance the treatment of various neurological conditions by improving drug delivery methods.
Neurochase's Technology
Neurochase, a UK-based company, is developing a system that utilizes convection enhanced delivery (CED) to directly administer therapies to specific targets within the brain and CNS. This technique allows drugs to bypass the blood-brain barrier, reaching deep brain structures via microcatheters. A pressure gradient at the catheter tip facilitates homogenous drug distribution through the interstitial space, maximizing therapeutic effects.
Vivolta's Role and Expertise
Vivolta initially partnered with Neurochase in 2022 to co-develop the electrospun component of Neurochase’s microcatheter delivery system. Vivolta has contributed material science and application development expertise to achieve what the companies describe as "breakthrough performance" of the microcatheter, differentiating it from other devices. Vivolta will serve as Neurochase’s exclusive component manufacturer, leveraging its automated MediSpin production system for scalable electrospun medical product manufacturing.
Clinical Applications and Future Trials
CED drug delivery is currently being evaluated in clinical trials for neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, brain tumors, and frontotemporal dementia. Neurochase plans to initiate clinical trials with its microcatheter delivery system in 2025, in collaboration with its clients.
Statements from Leadership
"This partnership builds on our already successful product development work with Neurochase, establishing a long-term manufacturing relationship," said Denis Leissing, CEO of Vivolta. Sharon Kane, CEO of Neurochase, added, "The Vivolta relationship has been hugely important in finding a solution to one of the most technically challenging components of the Neurochase delivery system."
