Merrion Pharma views drug deliver feasibility and option deal with Rebel Pharma

Irish product development firm Merrion Pharmaceuticals (IEX: MERR) has started an oral drug delivery feasibility and option agreement with USA-based Rebel Pharmaceuticals on two undisclosed compounds. The agreement will evaluate the ability of Merrion's patented GIPET technology to enhance the compounds' clinical profile and provide a substantially improved product.

On successful completion of the feasibility agreement, Merrion and Rebel will enter into license agreements, the financial terms, including milestones and royalties, have already been agreed. Rebel is a speciality pharmaceuticals company focused on enhancing approved drugs using proven and patented drug delivery technologies.

Commenting on the announcement, John Lynch, chief executive of Merrion, said: "we are very pleased to be entering into this agreement with Rebel Pharmaceuticals and building a relationship with them. We believe there can be substantial patient benefits from improved oral formulations of these compounds using our unique GIPET technology".