Emisphere Technologies, Inc. and AAIPharma, Inc. entered a strategic alliance aimed at expanding the application of Emisphere’s Eligen Technology and AAIPharma’s drug development services. AAIPharma currently provides drug product formulation development services to Emisphere.

Emisphere’s Eligen Technology is an improved delivery method for therapeutic molecules and nutritional supplements that, according to the company, improves the ability of the body to absorb small and large molecules. These molecules with poor bioavailability may be currently delivered by injection. The Eligen Technology can be applied to oral administration or other routes of administration, such as buccal, rectal, inhalation, intra-vaginal or transdermal.

“This relationship expands Emisphere’s access to new therapeutic candidates for its Eligen Technology, which potentially could lead to new products for Emisphere’s pipeline and to new alliance agreements as well,” said Michael V. Novinski, president and chief executive officer of Emisphere. “We are also pleased that a global provider of pharmaceutical product development services with the stature of AAI has chosen to combine with Emisphere in a synergistic alliance that will benefit both organizations.”

“We are very excited about this strategic alliance with Emisphere as it fits well within our strategy to offer drug delivery options to our pharmaceutical and biotech customers. The combination of the Emisphere Eligen Technology and AAIPharma’s best in class drug development services will be of tremendous value to customers seeking proprietary and unique oral drug delivery options,” said L. Lee Karras, senior vice president of AAIPharma’s Pharmaceutical Services business.