Amplia Therapeutics Limited announced it has received grant funding to undertake a research collaboration with Australia's national science agency CSIRO to develop novel topical formulations of the Company's FAK inhibitors. Amplia will work with researchers at CSIRO to help develop formulations of its small molecule FAK inhibitors that could be applied topically (i.e. directly) to wounds and burns to aid healing and reduce scarring. Over-activity of Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK) in fibroblast cells in wounds is believed to be responsible for laying down and cross-linking of collagen, resulting in the formation of scar tissue.

Scarring limits the movement and pliability of skin as well as having cosmetic implications. The global wound healing market is estimated to be >USD 20 billion and the market for scar treatments is of similar size. The funding is being provided through Innovation Connections, a service under AusIndustry's Entrepreneurs' Programme that provided advice and grants to small and medium businesses to access knowledge and engage with researchers with specific capabilities.