SBIR-STTR Award

Adverse reactions have been reported to occur after administration of compounds solubilized in aqueous vehicles. These side effects may be reduced or eliminated by combining the primary inducing agent, alfaxalone, with cyclodextrins, which have been shown to improve solubility and efficacy of other steroids. Preliminary studies in a rat model show promise for this combination. Successful development of this technique will provide a safe alternative for a nonsurfactant formulation for the inducing agent, reducing toxic side effects and allowing safe and reliable anesthesia.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:This research will develop a nonsurfactant formulation of an inducing agent that has been shown to induce anesthesia in preliminary studies in a rat model. The technology has good potential for commercialization, particularly for small-animal anesthesia, and offers a safe alternative to surfactant formulations.National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)

Adverse, histaminoid-type reactions have been reported after the administration of anesthetics, such as alfaxalone, solubilized in non-ionic, aqueous surfactants. These side effects may be reduced or eliminated by combining the primary inducing agent, alfaxalone, with cyclodextrins which have been demonstrated to improve solubility for other steroids. Studies resulting from Phase I show promise for this combination. Successful development of this formulation will provide a safe alternative for the currently marketed dosage form in the guise of a non-surfactant formulation for the inducing agent. This preparation should result in a reduction in allergic side effects, thereby allowing safe and reliable anesthesia.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:The research will further develop a non-surfactant formulation of an inducing and anesthetic agent which has been shown to induce anesthesia in an animal with diminished allergic response. The technology has good potential for commercialization in both the worldwide human and veterinary market, and offers a safer alternative to present formulations. It is projected that this non-surfactant formulation of an inducing and anesthetic agent would result in annual sales worldwide in the range of $60 to $80 million.National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)