In December 2010, protein manufacturer Insmed Inc. (NYSE: INSM) acquired a majority stake in drug delivery firm Transave Inc. Transave, Inc. had been a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative, inhaled pharmaceuticals for the site-specific treatment of serious lung diseases such as pulmonary infections in cystic fibrosis patients and cancers affecting the lung. The companys goal had been achievement of a leadership role in the treatment of lung diseases via the use of its proprietary Sustained release Lipid Inhalation Targeting (SLIT) technology. Developing products based on Transave's proprietary liposomal technology designed specifically for lung delivery, an effort had been to reformulating off-patent, established drugs into unique liposomal technology - based inhaled pharmaceuticals for the localized, site-specific treatment of serious lung diseases. Transave's proprietary liposomal technology allowed for the sustained release of a drug in the lung's microenvironment. By remaining in the lungs for a prolonged period and potentially minimizing systemic exposure, Transave's liposomal technology offered the potential for changing the product profile, improving delivery of the compound to the lung and enhancing the therapeutic index of established pharmaceuticals.
