Enzytech Inc. will test its ProLease and OraLease systems asdelivery vehicles for human growth hormone manufactured byBio-Technology General Corp. of New York

The joint study, announced last week, could show a way toavoid the frequent injections usually required for growthhormone and other protein therapies.

A patent for ProLease, a polymer microsphere that can providesustained release under the skin, was issued to Cambridge,Mass.-based Enzytech in July. Pre-clinical tests show that asingle injection of ProLease can deliver proteins for 60 days.

The company has applied for a patent on its OraLeaseencapsulating protein, which is digested in a controlledmanner when taken orally to release active drugs.

Enzytech will file investigational new drug applications in thenext six months to start clinical tests of each deliverysystem, said Mark Skaletsky, chief executive officer. Thecompanies will share the cost of an initial study, with otherfinancial terms still under negotiation, Skaletsky toldBioWorld. -- RF

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