De Facto Communications, part of the Bell Pottinger Group, is pleased to announce that they have been appointed by PolyTherics as their full service communications agency. Founded in 2002, PolyTherics is a spin-out company from Imperial College London and the London School of Pharmacy that is dedicated to using biomedical polymers to optimise pharmaceuticals for the treatment and cure of the world's most important diseases.
PolyTherics has developed and patented an innovative approach to PEGylation, known as TheraPEG™, to prolong the half-life of proteins and peptides for application as therapeutics. PEGylation is the process by which poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is attached to compounds to modify their pharmacokinetic properties. TheraPEG™ increases the time that a protein or peptide remains in the bloodstream before being metabolised or excreted, thereby improving the duration of its efficacy and potentially reducing treatment frequency, decreasing treatment side effects and improving patient compliance. For example, PEGylated interferon used to treat Hepatitis C can be administered once rather than three times per week. PolyTherics’ TheraPEG™ interferon alpha is licensed to Shantha Biotechnics (a member of Merieux Alliance) and is scheduled to commence clinical trials this year.
PolyTherics received its most recent funding of £2.3 million from Imperial Innovations Group plc, Longbow Capital LLP and The Capital Fund in June 2007.
Commenting on the win, Mike Wort, Managing Director of De Facto said: “PolyTherics is one of the most vibrant companies to emerge from the University of London for a long time. Their technology has proven to be broadly applicable both to extending the life cycle of known therapeutic protein products, and in harnessing the development potential of novel proteins. We are delighted to be involved in helping the Company pursue its vision of leadership in the biotherapeutics sector”.
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For further information, please contact:
Mike Wort / Anna Dunphy Tel: +44 207 861 3838
De Facto Communications
Notes to Editor:
About De Facto Communications
De Facto Communications is part of the Bell Pottinger Group and is one of Europe's most successful public relations consultancies in life science, healthcare, medical education and clinical trials marketing. In partnership with their clients, they approach their work with a passion and commitment that delivers award-winning, integrated communications programmes based on effective strategy, original thinking and creativity. De Facto is headquartered in London and operates internationally with clients across Europe and the US. Further information on De Facto Communications can be found at www.defacto.com
