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Type of technology

Inorganic nanoparticles, Polymer-based particles, Based on other organic particles, Fat based particles, lecithin based particles, Micellar suspension

Administration route

Intravenous, Intratumoral, Subcutaneous

Development state and regulatory approval

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API)

Palopegteriparatide

Development Stage

Marketed

Regulatory Approval

YORVIPATH® is approved by the US FDA, EMA, NMPA and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea

Description

TransCon technology is a carrier-based system that transiently converts an active drug into a prodrug by conjugating it to a carrier via a cleavable linker. This mechanism enables sustained therapeutic drug levels across systemic and localized administration routes. Initially designed for pediatric sustained-release drug delivery, its application now extends to adult diseases, primarily targeting endocrinological disorders and solid tumors. The choice of carrier and linker is tailored to the route of administration and the desired release kinetics of each API.

Developer(s)

Ascendis Pharma
Originator
Denmark

Ascendis Pharma

Ascendis Pharma A/S, founded in 2006 in Copenhagen, Denmark, develops innovative therapies using its TransCon® technology, focusing on endocrinology and oncology. With a global presence and ~879 employees, its market cap is ~$7.9B (2025). Recent milestones include YORVIPATH® approval for hypoparathyroidism. Despite revenue challenges with SKYTROFA, it remains committed to advancing its pipeline.

Technology highlight

1. TransCon carriers include lipids (ufasomes), polymers (polymerosomes), transfersomes, ethosomes, and sphingosomes. 2. The inertness of the carrier reduces drug clearance, enhancing circulation time. 3. Enables high target-site drug concentrations while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Illustration(s)

Technology main components

1) API—Can be a small molecule, peptide, or protein. 2) Carrier (with Albumin Avidity)—Either soluble or insoluble, tailored to stability and release profile. 3) Reversible prodrug linker—Aromatic Cyclic Imide, DKP Carbamate, Bicin, AEG (2-((2-aminoethyl)amino)acetic acid), Pyroglutamate 4) Functional agents—antiadsorbents, buffering agents, isotonicity modifiers, preservatives, antimicrobials, stabilizers, diffusion enhancers, and oxidation protectants. 5) Excipients—mannitol, metacresol, sodium hydroxide, succinic acid, water for injection, diluents, adjuvants, and vehicles optimized based on the API’s physicochemical properties.

Information on the raw materials sourcing, availability and anticipated price

Yorvipath 294 micrograms/0.98ml solution for injection prefilled pen (2 pen pack) costs 9272.97 USD

Safety, Efficacy and Evidence Summary

Safety

In a 52-week efficacy and safety clinical study of TransCon PTH, 72 out of 78 patients (92%) experienced at least one Grade 1 treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) by the 52nd week. Additionally, eight patients experienced a serious adverse event (SAE). Treatment-related TEAEs reported in participants included injection site reactions (26%), hypercalcemia (14%), nausea (9%), headache (8%), and hypocalcemia (5%). Two out of 8 SAEs were attributed to hypocalcemia.

Efficacy

Not provided

Evidence Summary

Not provided

References and relevant studies

Not provided

APIs compatibility profile

API desired features
Small molecules

TransCon has the ability to encapsulate small molecules, but the targeted spectrum of pharmacological class is not disclosed.

Nucleic acids

TransCon has the ability to encapsulate RNA molecules, but the targeted spectrum of pharmacological class is not disclosed.

Proteins

Although TransCon has the ability to conjugate with Antibodies, Antibody Fragments, Proteins, Peptides, currently, TransCon is focused on hormones and cell surface proteins targeting neoplastic cells.

Additional solubility data

Not provided

Additional stability data

Not provided

API loading: Maximum drug quantity to be loaded

75-90 wt%

API co-administration

2 different APIs : At least one of the drugs should be a biologically active moiety or a drug that enhances the effect of the other API.

LogP

Not provided
Not provided

Scale-up and manufacturing prospects

Scale-up prospects

Novo Nordisk oversees the commercial manufacturing, clinical development, regulatory approval, and market distribution of products within the TransCon Metabolic Disorders pipeline.

Tentative equipment list for manufacturing

Not provided

Manufacturing

Not provided

Specific analytical instrument required for characterization of formulation

Not provided

Excipients & delivery device(s)

Proprietary excipients used

No proprietary excipient used

Novel excipients or existing excipients at a concentration above Inactive Ingredient Database (IID) for the specified route of administration

No novel excipient or existing excipient used

Residual solvents used

No residual solvent used

Delivery device(s)

No delivery device

Additional features

Other features of the technology
  • Biodegradable
  • Room temperature storage
  • At least 1 year shelf life
Release properties

The unmodified API, encapsulated within the TransCon carrier, is gradually released from the microsphere environment into the surrounding tissues by deconjugating from the linker. This controlled release facilitates the distribution of the API and subsequent activation of target receptors. Additionally, the inactive carrier is dissociated and subsequently eliminated from the system. This mechanism results in pharmacokinetic properties comparable to those observed with daily dosing regimens.

Injectability

TransCon formulations (pre-filled pen) can be administered via intravenous, subcutaneous, or intratumoral routes. These formulations can be injected using a standard injection kit equipped with a 21–25 gauge needle as a ready-to-use liquid formulation with a pen injector, depending on the designated route of administration and the molecular integrity of the formulation.

Stability

TransCon prefilled pens remain stable for at least one year when stored at cold temperatures.

Storage conditions and cold-chain related features

Do not freeze. Store away from heat. Keep TransCon Formulation in the packaging to protect it from light. Until first use, store the formulation in the refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. After first use, store it for 14 days at room temperature below 30°C (86°F). After each use, remove the needle and put the pen cap on to protect from light. Discard the prefilled pen 14 days after first use.

Therapeutic area(s)

  • Other(s) : "Endocrinological disorders"
  • Oncology : "Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumor Malignancies"
Use case(s)
  • Treatment

Potential associated API(s)

  • Human Growth Hormone Agonists , Lonasomatropin
  • Palopegteriparatide
  • CNP agonist
  • TLR7/8 agonist

Use of technology

Ease of administration
  • Administered by a community health worker
  • Administered by a nurse
  • Administered by a specialty health worker
Frequency of administration

Weekly, Monthly

User acceptance
Not provided

Targeted user groups

Age Cohort
  • Children
  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Older Adults
Genders
  • All
Pregnant individuals

No

Lactating individuals

Unspecified

Healthy individuals

Unspecified

Comment

Not provided

Human Growth Hormone Agonists , Lonasomatropin

Class(es)

Somatotropins

Development stage

Marketed

Clinical trial(s)

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Pediatric, Adult GHD and Turner Syndrome

Foreseen user group

Children and adults suffering from Growth Hormone Deficiency

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Once weekly

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Lonapegsomatropin-tcgd (SKYTROFA®) was approved by USFDA in August 2021 for treating pediatric GHD. It is also approved by EMA, China, Russia, Belarus and South Korea.

Palopegteriparatide

Class(es)

Somatotropin and somatropin agonists

Development stage

Marketed

Clinical trial(s)

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Pediatric and Adult Hypoparathyroidism

Foreseen user group

Children and adultoscents

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Once weekly

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

YORVIPATH® is approved by the US FDA, EMA, NMPA and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of South Korea

CNP agonist

Class(es)

Vasodilators

Development stage

Phase II

Clinical trial(s)

Not provided

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Pediatric Achondroplasia

Foreseen user group

Children and adolescents

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Once weekly

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not provided

TLR7/8 agonist

Class(es)

Immunostimulant - Antineoplastic agent

Development stage

Phase II

Clinical trial(s)

Foreseen/approved indication(s)

Solid Tumors

Foreseen user group

Not provided

Foreseen duration between application(s)

Once weekly

Applications to Stringent Regulatory Authorities (SRA) / regulatory approvals

Not provided

Description

Combination therapy with controlled-release CNP agonists

Brief description

The present invention relates to combinations, or pharmaceutical compositions comprising, a CNP agonist, preferably a controlled-release CNP agonist, and at least one further biologically active moiety or drug, and their use in methods for the treatment or prevention of disorders that benefit from stimulating growth, such as achondroplasia.

Representative patent

AU2023201709B2

Category

formulation

Patent holder

Ascendis Pharma Endocrinology Division AS

Exclusivity

Not provided

Expiration date

September 28, 2037

Status

Active

Description

Cnp prodrugs with carrier attachment at the ring moiety

Brief description

The present invention relates to CNP prodrugs in which the carrier is covalently and reversibly attached to the ring moiety of a CNP moiety, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such CNP prodrugs, to their uses and to methods of treating diseases that can be treated with the CNP prodrugs of the present invention.

Representative patent

AU2023210599B2

Category

Not provided

Patent holder

Ascendis Pharma Endocrinology Division AS

Exclusivity

Not provided

Expiration date

May 1, 2037

Status

Active