Absorption Systems, LP, today announced that the company has been awarded a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I grant from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to develop an innovative tool to help determine the potential for drug-drug interactions. Absorption Systems will use the $215,000 Phase I grant to further develop the company’s CellPort Technologies™ assay system, a suite of preclinical in vitro test systems designed to provide definitive data regarding interactions between new drugs under investigation and specific transporter proteins that have been identified by the FDA as key indicators of drug safety. The current suite of CellPort Technologies test systems includes assays for three different human drug efflux transporters.

The FDA has long been aware of the potential risks that can be created by drug-drug interactions. In 2006, the FDA issued a draft guidance urging pharmaceutical companies to study drug-drug interactions during the development process in order better understand issues associated with taking drugs in combination. These can include unwanted side effects, reduced drug effectiveness or the need for dose adjustment. The FDA guidance pinpoints drug efflux transporters as an area warranting further study, and for the first time suggested a standard methodology for studying efflux activity. The recommended approach uses the technology that is also the basis for CellPort Technologies.

“Lack of definitive models for in vitro assessment of efflux activity and related drug-drug interactions presents a major challenge in drug development,” said Patrick M. Dentinger, president and CEO of Absorption Systems. “This SBIR grant will enable us to respond to this unmet need within the industry. Absorption Systems brings unparalleled expertise to the table when it comes to studying drug-drug interactions—one of the fastest growing segments of our business is in vitro testing for such interactions—so further development of CellPort Technologies along these lines is a natural step for us.”

The company plans to apply later this year for a follow-on Phase II SBIR grant, providing up to $750,000 over two years.

About Absorption Systems, LP

Founded in 1996 by Patrick Dentinger and Ismael J. Hidalgo, Ph.D, Absorption Systems, LP (ASLP) focuses on performing assays (analyses) that can predict the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Excretion (ADME) of small molecules using a variety of in vitro, in situ, and in vivo models. ASLP supports these assays with state of the art bioanalytical capabilities and preclinical formulation services. For more information visit: www.absorption.com