Dicot AB enters research collaboration with Uppsala University and the W. Szafer Institute of Botany

Dicot is developing a novel potency drug aimed to be the first choice for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. The drug candidate LIB-01 contains an active substance originating from nature. As a step in preparing for future commercialisation of LIB-01 on the global market the company has now entered a research collaboration with Uppsala University and the W. Szafer Institute of Botany PAS.

The collaboration aims at investigating if the starting material for the drug substance in LIB-01 can be obtained by using plant cells grown in cultures. This is a proven technology for large scale sustainable commercial supply of drugs originating from nature.

Professor Ulf Göransson, Uppsala University, and Dr Baej lzak of W. Szafer Institute of Botany PAS currently working at Uppsala, both experts in the field of Pharmacognosy, will lead the research project. The founder of Dicot, Professor Jarl Wikberg, is also involved in the collaboration.

The collaboration aims to demonstrate proof of concept and is a one-year research project to test the technology with Dicot's plant material in the laboratory scale. If this is successful, it will be followed by further assessments. The project will be run in parallel with current already established manufacturing process where plant material, seeds, are used to extract starting material for production of drug substance.

"- Preparing and setting the scene for a future successful global launch is important. This research project is highly interesting as it can open further opportunities for commercial supply in addition to already established method. As a developing company, we continuously assess different alternatives to develop cost effective solutions in all areas", says Elin Trampe, CEO of Dicot.