Altair, Elanco to develop manufacturing

A subsidiary of Reno's Altair Nanotechnologies Inc. has taken a step toward commercial use of its technology in animal health products.

Publicly held Altair said it struck a deal with Elanco Animal Health to develop a manufacturing process related to a test-stage animal pharmaceutical. Elanco is a division of Eli Lilly and Co.

Under the agreement, Elanco will provide about $2.5 million to Altair, which develop the manufacturing process. The contract runs through 2010.

The two companies have been working together since May 2006, when Elanco began its search for commercial applications of Altair's nanotechnology-based products.

The companies didn't provide details about the animal health product that's under development.