The Danish Innovation Fund has awarded the drug delivery company a grant of DKK 1.9 million under its InnoBooster program.
The grant will advance the development of ZERION’s Dispersome drug formulations. The InnoBooster grant covers about one third of the total project costs.
“We are extremely grateful to receive this support from the Innovation Fund. This is the 3rd grant we have obtained from the Innovation Fund and their support has been instrumental in building ZERION as a company,” says Ole Wiborg, CEO of ZERION.
ZERION has previously (2019) received a smaller InnoBooster project grant as well as two InnoFounder grants supporting its founder team.
The Dispersome platform technology
The Dispersome technology uses high quality whey protein isolate (WPI), an environmentally friendly by-product from cheese production, to disrupt the drug crystal structure. An amorphous composition is formed from the mixture of WPI and drug molecules resulting in improved drug solubility and bioavailability. The technology enables lowering of the drug dose, resulting in fewer and smaller tablets enhancing patient compliance as well as minimizing any side effects, states the company. Dispersomes can be produced using standard pharmaceutical equipment.
In addition to its internal product portfolio, ZERION is also collaborating with pharmaceutical companies to assist them in optimizing the therapeutic performance of their drug compounds.
Spinout from University of Copenhagen
ZERION was formed in 2019 as a spinout from the University of Copenhagen. The company’s team includes biotech entrepreneurs, experts in drug delivery technologies, and specialists in key areas of pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
Photo: iStock
