University of Western Australia life sciences spin-out iCeutica has its lead drug approved by the FDA.

The US-based Food and Drug Administration has approved Zorvolex, an anti-inflammatory drug to treat acute pain developed by University of Western Australia (UWA) spin-out iCeutica. 

The life sciences firm, which was acquired by investors linked to US partner Iroko Pharmaceuticals in 2011, has been developing the drug based on submicron-sized particles since it was founded in 2004. Called SoluMatrix Fine Particle Technology, the drug dissolves quicker than conventional drugs, enabling faster uptake with reduced dose requirements.

Matt Callahan, chief executive at iCeutica, has overseen the journey of Zorvolex, which was was developed by Iroko using a license from iCeutica’s proprietary SoluMatrix technology, from idea through approval and now onto launch. He said: “It is very satisfying to carry it all the way through – you don’t get that opportunity often in life – and as an Australian biotech, it very rarely happens.”