PhylloPharma

A Breakthrough Platform for Oral Delivery of Proteins

Background

Traditionally, protein drugs, such as insulin, have been delivered as sterile injections, requiring cold storage/transportation, thereby decreasing patient affordability and compliance. In order to address these challenges, PhylloPharma is developing oral delivery systems through the encapsulation of protein drugs in plant cells.

Expression of human genes in plants

Dr. Henry Daniell's lab at the University of Pennsylvania has pioneered a technology that allows the cloning of human genes and their integration into chloroplast genome using a gene gun. The team has produced so far several hundred foreign proteins in plants, such as insulin or Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2).

Hydroponic growing

The seeds containing the genetic modifications are used to grow mature plants, which will in turn pass on the modified genome to their seeds. Once they reach maturity, plants are lyophilized and the protein drug powder obtained can be stored at ambient temperature for many years without losing its efficacy.

Oral form of drug delivery- MCGs/ capsules

The drug powder can then be delivered via a Medicated Chewing Gum (MCG) or a capsule.

Research

The technology developed by PhylloPharma is the result of more than 10 years of research led by Dr. Henry Daniell at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Daniell pioneered and advanced the concept of expressing foreign genes in chloroplasts. This technology has wide applications, including diabetes, hemophilia, pulmonary hypertension, diabetic retinopathy, and Alzheimer’s disease, as well as vaccines for cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, polio, and plague.