LAGUNA HILLS, Calif., Jan. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- NanoSmart Pharmaceuticals, a private biotechnology company, has entered into a research collaboration agreement with University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to continue the development of NanoSmart's novel drug delivery platform for the treatment of cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

"We are very excited to work closely with Dr. Noah Federman and his colleagues at UCLA, as they will provide access to an extraordinary level of research, development and clinical resources," said Dr. James Smith, President of NanoSmart Pharmaceuticals.  "Their expertise in the development of nanotechnology-based drugs will enable us to continue making efficient progress towards commercializing these products."

NanoSmart's patented platform drug delivery system utilizes human autoimmune antibodies that target many different types of tumors. When combined with already FDA-approved cancer drugs, this patented technology allows for the creation of a broad range of next-generation, safer, and more effective cancer drug products.

"Despite the extensive research into new drug formulations, the pace of advancing benefit to this patient population is unfortunately slowing," said Dr. Noah Federman, Director of the Pediatric Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Program at UCLA, a part of the UCLA Sarcoma Program and UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center; and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Hematology/Oncology at Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA. "We are pleased to collaborate with NanoSmart to help drive the development of these much-needed products."

UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (http://www.cancer.ucla.edu) is among the nation's largest and top-ranked comprehensive cancer research centers. With more than 240 researchers and clinicians, the Jonsson center is dedicated to promoting research and translating basic science into leading-edge clinical studies.

Mattel Children's Hospital UCLA, one of the highest-rated children's hospitals in California and a vital component of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, offers a full spectrum of primary and specialized medical care for infants, children, and adolescents. The hospital's mission is to provide state-of-the-art treatment for children in a compassionate atmosphere and to improve the understanding and treatment of pediatric diseases.

NanoSmart Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (www.nanosmartpharma.com) is developing novel proprietary drug delivery products to treat cancer and other serious life threatening diseases. NanoSmart's patented platform drug delivery system utilizes human autoimmune antibodies that target many different types of tumors and other diseases. NanoSmart has completed development of its preliminary immunoliposomal formulations and is currently engaged in preclinical testing of its lead candidate drug products.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that development efforts will succeed; or that the novel biopharmaceuticals will receive regulatory clearance or achieve commercial success.

SOURCE NanoSmart Pharmaceuticals, Inc.