CLL Biopharma bought by US firm

France's CLL Pharma, a specialist in drug reformulations and novel delivery technologies, has been acquired by US company Neuro Bioscience. The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

CLL has several proprietary drug delivery systems which together address a reformulation marketplace that is projected to grow from $49 billion in 2002 to $88 billion in 2007. For example, the firm's Midds system increases intestinal absorption of poorly-soluble lipophilic active ingredients allowing for lower dosing and improved tolerability. Celsol tackles the problem of making insoluble compounds soluble in water, while Celatom enhances the bioavailability of insoluble drugs using atomisation. Other technologies include taste-masking systems and an orodispersable tablet formulation.

Aside from these platforms, CLL also holds 54 European marketing authorisations for generic versions of medicines. Neuro Bioscience noted that these could provide a valuable revenue stream, particularly as ongoing deliberations at the European Commission look likely to make the market for generic drugs more accessible across the continent.

CLL's chief executive, Claude Laruelle, retains his post at the company and becomes chairman of Neuro Bioscience.