Closed Loop Medicine – a tech bio company – and Pharmanovia, which extends the life cycle of already established medicines, have announced that they are embarking on a worldwide co-development collaboration.

To begin, the link-up will concentrate on progressing a drug plus software combination version of an antihypertensive therapy in the UK. This will occur prior to a phased global roll-out and the addition of other treatments.

Under the terms of the agreement, Closed Loop Medicine’s proprietary ‘Software-as-a-Medical Device’ dosing optimisation technology will be incorporated alongside Pharmanovia’s antihypertensive drugs. The dual approach would be available under a single prescription.

Preliminary clinical trial results have shown that Closed Loop Medicine’s technology may deliver pivotal dose optimised drug therapy while also improving blood pressure control and reducing side effects.

Meanwhile, by developing a new class of combination products for the treatment of hypertension, the companies intend to support patients and healthcare professionals in the management of high blood pressure.

Dr James Burt, chief executive officer at Pharmanovia, was confident that the partnership can make a positive difference: “Combining our experience in life cycle management with Closed Loop Medicine’s unique approach and technology is an exciting next step in our strategy. It enables us to use innovative technology to enhance established medicines and bring much-needed innovation to an area of large-scale unmet need.”

FIND has revealed that a new collaboration with VIA Global Health will deliver new routes to market for global and regional manufacturers of diagnostic tests.

The agreement will expand vital access to testing among low and middle-income countries. VIA Global Health delivers medical products to over 80 countries, while the ‘DxConnect Marketplace’ has been developed by FIND to connect buyers with approved test suppliers. It is intended to assist areas of the market that, historically, have been unable to acquire diagnostic products.

The DxConnect Marketplace also aims to address wider challenges including product knowledge, fragmented supply chains, logistics and pricing information. The link up with VIA Global Health will boost FIND's efforts to expand the DxConnect Marketplace.

Emma Hannay, chief access officer at FIND, reflected on the importance of joint-working: “Partnerships are at the heart of all our work, and VIA Global Health’s mission to distribute medical technologies to underserved communities is closely aligned with our aim to ensure that everyone who needs a test can get one.”

She added: “We are very pleased that the first products available as part of this agreement are manufactured in India, as we work with countries to bolster sustainable, quality diagnostic supply that is critical for tackling everyday health challenges as well as long-term system strengthening that is essential for pandemic preparedness.”