Phosphate Therapeutics

Phosphate Therapeutics Ltd. was established in 2011 as an independent specialty pharmaceutical company with a focus on developing mineral-derived hospital pharmaceuticals. In March 2012, the company acquired the global rights for PT20, a novel phosphate binder for treating hyperphosphataemia, from the Medical Research Council. This acquisition was supported by up to €10.5 million in funding from Inventages Venture Capital to advance the drug through Phase 2 development. In February 2016, Shield Therapeutics plc acquired Phosphate Therapeutics in a share exchange agreement.

The company's primary asset was PT20, an iron-based phosphate binder developed to treat hyperphosphataemia, a condition characterized by high phosphate levels in the blood, often associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The drug, which acts as a 'phosphate sponge' using adipate-doped iron oxide technology, was designed to overcome the limitations of existing treatments, such as gastrointestinal side effects and toxicity concerns. PT20 operates as one of Shield Therapeutics' two main segments, alongside the iron-deficiency treatment Feraccru. The business model centers on the development and subsequent commercialization of these late-stage pharmaceutical assets that address significant unmet medical needs in patient populations. Revenue generation is tied to the successful clinical development, regulatory approval, and marketing of its products.

The primary clients for Phosphate Therapeutics' products are patients with late-stage renal disease who require oral phosphate binders to manage their condition. The market is driven by the increasing global incidence of CKD, linked to rising levels of obesity and diabetes, which creates a substantial need for effective hyperphosphataemia treatments. The company collaborated with contract research organizations like Clinipace Worldwide to manage pivotal clinical trials, aiming to de-risk the development program and expedite the path to market. Following its acquisition, Phosphate Therapeutics operates as a subsidiary of Shield Therapeutics plc, contributing its specialized nephrology asset to the parent company's broader pharmaceutical portfolio.

Keywords: phosphate binder, hyperphosphataemia, chronic kidney disease, PT20, nephrology, pharmaceutical development, mineral-derived drugs, iron-based binder, renal disease, clinical trials