SonoVascular has announced an exclusive clinical supply agreement with Lantheus for the use of the latter’s microbubbles in conjunction with the SonoThrombectomy System to treat venous thromboembolism (VTE).
This agreement marks a significant step in the development of a new treatment approach for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), serious conditions caused by blood clots.
VTE poses a significant health risk when blood clots form in deep veins resulting in DVT and potentially travelling to the lungs.
Under the agreement, Lantheus will provide microbubbles and activation devices, while SonoVascular will handle clinical study execution, regulatory submissions, and future commercialisation.
SonoVascular's SonoThrombectomy System aims to address this issue by combining microbubbles, ultrasound, low-dose thrombolytic drug, and mechanical retrieval or aspiration through an integrated intravascular catheter system.
The system has been designed to improve the safety and efficacy of DVT and PE treatments, offering a catheterisation laboratory-based solution that could reduce the need for intensive care unit treatments.
The intravascular ultrasound-activated microbubbles will be further investigated in pre-clinical and upcoming trials.
Lantheus chief business officer Etienne Montagut said: “We are excited to partner with SonoVascular to extend our microbubble franchise into a novel treatment for VTE.
“Our collaboration with SonoVascular leverages both companies' strengths to help change the paradigm in the treatment of venous disease - a large and growing clinical condition.”
SonoVascular's SonoThrombectomy System has undergone successful preclinical evaluations and is preparing for first-in-human (FIH) studies in 2024.
These studies, conducted in partnership with Lantheus, will assess the safety and feasibility of the system for DVT and PE treatment before proceeding to pivotal studies in the US.
Following the FIH study, SonoVascular will have the option to secure a long-term exclusive commercial supply agreement with Lantheus.
SonoVascular founder and CEO Daniel Estay said: "Our SonoThrombectomy system, combined with Lantheus' microbubbles, is designed to provide a true, next-generation solution for the treatment of DVT and PE that overcomes the drawbacks associated with catheter-based thrombectomy and thrombolysis devices.”
