Tocotrienols (T3s) in their natural pure forms are viscous oils that need to be combined with delivery technologies for both nutraceuticals and prescription medicines to improve bioavailability and efficacy. VTL has three proprietary delivery platforms:
A formulation of T3s designed to be dissolved in the mouth and then swallowed which has been shown in clinical studies to be effective for certain non-disease and self-limiting exercise related indications such as reduction of DOMS, improved muscle recovery after exercise and improved maintenance of muscle power. MELT3® is designed for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.
A transmucosal delivery platform for T3s designed to enhance absorption of the T3s by facilitating sublingual and buccal (transmucosal) absorption. T3s are absorbed into the capillaries below the sublingual and buccal mucosa and then released into the blood stream. TransT3 has been shown to improve the bioavailability of T3s in a Phase Ia clinical study.
A prodrug delivery platform for T3s designed to enhance absorption of T3s into the lymphatic system of the gut and release of T3s into the blood stream. Developed by Professor Chris Porter's research group at Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (MIPS), the TPD platform recently achieved preclinical proof of concept.
* TransT3 and TPD platforms are non-invasive delivery methods for T3s designed to bypass digestion in the gut and metabolism in the liver (first pass metabolism) and delivering T3s into the blood stream without the use of invasive techniques such as needles and surgical implants
Based on these three technology platforms for non-invasive and direct delivery of T3, the Company is pursuing two complementary product development programs:
- evidence-based nutraceuticals based on the MELT3® platform
- prescription medicines based on improved delivery of T3s based on the TransT3 and TPD platforms.