3M Drug Delivery Systems and Impel NeuroPharma entered a strategic alliance aimed at advancing Impel’s Precision Olfactory Delivery (POD) technology for the enhanced Central Nervous System (CNS) delivery of drug products.

Impel’s POD technology is a handheld, non-invasive means for delivering CNS therapeutics deep into the upper nasal cavity, where it can achieve delivery into the brain and central nervous system, and can be self-administered by a patient.

The companies will collaborate on programs directed to the continued development and commercialization of POD technology leveraging 3M’s inhaled and nasal drug delivery devices. Further details were not disclosed.

“We are pleased to have 3M join our team,” said Impel chief executive officer Michael Hite. “We’ve successfully shown that the POD technology is highly effective in the clinic in our ongoing development programs and across diverse therapeutic areas including Alzheimer’s Disease, migraine, and pain management. We are proud to have 3M’s key strategic collaboration to support the development and commercialization of the POD platform. With 3M, Impel is better able to empower researchers, physicians, patients, and their families.”

“Impel’s POD technology provides an important solution to an unmet need in the drug delivery marketplace,” said Cindy Kent, president and general manager – 3M Drug Delivery Systems. “We look forward to supporting Impel as they commercialize the POD technology and expand upon 3M’s leadership in developing novel approaches to major problems confronting the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.”