AmacaThera, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in drug delivery, announced it has signed a binding evaluation and option agreement with Merck Animal Health to develop long-acting formulations, for use in animal health.

Built upon AmacaThera’s unique hydrogel platform technology, AmacaGel™, products developed by AmacaThera are designed to enhance the sustained delivery of therapeutic agents with a single injection, potentially revolutionizing animal care and welfare in veterinary medicine.

Mike Cooke, Ph.D., CEO of AmacaThera, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Merck Animal Health, a global leader in animal health. Together, we see immense value in leveraging each other’s expertise to explore new frontiers in animal health. This partnership reinforces our commitment to leverage our innovative technology to address important unmet needs in human and now veterinary medicine.”

Chad Brown, Ph.D., Global Head, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, and Associate Vice President of Merck Animal Health, added: “We look forward to collaborating with AmacaThera as we continue to broaden our existing product portfolio of veterinary medicines and technology solutions. It is our hope to leverage our research knowledge and scientific expertise along with the hydrogel platform developed by AmacaThera, which may provide benefits for animal health and welfare.”

Cooke stated, “This collaboration builds on our manufacturing know-how and in-human data collected from our hydrogel platform, enabling us to rapidly develop effective solutions for injectable delivery challenges.” He added, “What sets our hydrogel apart is its broad compatibility with different drug modalities and that our manufacturing process is defined, fully saleable, and cost-effective.”

Both companies anticipate a fruitful collaboration, with the shared goal of advancing innovative animal health solutions, thereby enabling veterinarians to provide better care.