Drug candidates for treating elevated serum phosphate levels in humans and companion animals, microspheres for highly controlled chemical delivery, and advanced biocompatible materials for dental and surgical-implant applications—they all have the unique advantage of Altairnano technology.

Altairnano is a recognized industry innovator in the discovery, development and manufacture of ceramic nanomaterials and microparticles. Our scientists and product specialists, working with industry and academic partners, have created a variety of novel materials—ones that can enhance your life sciences business.

  
A phosphate binder for human renal disease
We’ve created a lanthanum-based microparticle drug candidate that features excellent binding capacity and selectivity. The candidate is designed for removing phosphate from the gastrointestinal tract of patients suffering from end-stage kidney disease. These patients usually have a build up of phosphate in their body, which can lead to bone weakening and life threatening cardiovascular complications.

Treatment to help avoid or minimize the complications involves restricting dietary phosphorous and taking oral phosphate binders. The current choice of binders requires patients to take between two and four pills with every dosage, which has caused compliance issues. There have also been side effects such as aluminum dementia and hypercalcemia.

Our RenaZorb™ drug candidate provides a better choice. It has a very large surface area so its phosphate-binding capacity per gram is significantly higher than traditional competitive materials. As a result, patients will only have to
take one small RenaZorb pill with every dosage versus several large pills for competitive products, minimizing the possibility of side effects and significantly increasing compliance levels.

The preclinical work on RenaZorb has been completed, and the drug candidate has been licensed to a pharmaceutical company for progressing through regulatory compliance and into market.
   

A binder for dogs and cats
We’ve also developed Renalan, a drug candidate with the same technology as RenaZorb, for controlling phosphate buildup in companion animals. Renalan can be used as a liquid, powder or pill. It’s in the process of being licensed to Elanco Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company.

  
A novel method for delivery
In addition to the drug candidates, Altairnano is investigating controlled chemical delivery with our TiNano Spheres. These microstructures act as a carrier with the active chemical ingredient inside or on the surface of the carrier until released to the target location. Custom designed for each application, TiNano Spheres have the potential to provide highly targeted delivery for medical, chemical and agricultural applications.

TiNano Spheres may also prove effective in the sustained release of products for other uses such as:

• Tile cleaning
• Cosmetics
• Mildew prevention in paints, coatings and fabrics
• Wood protection and preservation
• Controlled fertilizer release

  
Novel biocompatible materials
Zirconia is becoming the material of choice for dental work because of its strength and wear performance. Our zirconia nanomaterials can be used to develop transparent fillings that are opaque to X-rays and offer superior flexural strength and abrasion resistance.

In addition, nanomaterials offer more efficient milling and isometric shrinkage than conventional zirconia materials. These properties make Altairnano materials ideal for use as dental crowns and bridges.

We’re also studying the use of our nanotechnology to help overcome a major challenge with orthopedic implants: rejection. Working with partners we’re developing a titania coating that could lead to lifetime implants.