A biotech startup developing an injectable drug for treating lower back pain announced Tuesday it was awarded a $4.97 million grant from the U.S. Department of Defense.
The company, SpineThera Inc., is using the grant to support the development of its drug called SX600. The drug uses micro-suspension technology to offer a sustained release of the painkilling ingredient over months at a time.
Plymouth-based SpineThera is developing its manufacturing process and scaling as it prepares for Phase 3 clinical trials.
Over one in three Americans experience back pain every year, but U.S. military populations are at greatest risk.
Emily Meyering, vice president of research and development for SpineThera, said in a statement that the support from the Department of Defense maintains the product development momentum for SX600. "This $5M Technology/Therapeutic Development Award is the latest example of the DoD’s ongoing commitment to invest in technologies to meet current and future health needs of our society.”
To date, SpineThera has raised over $18.5 million in funding and grants including from the National Institutes of Health and the state of Minnesota.
