University of Pittsburgh

Enhanced Antitumor Efficacy of Ultrasound-mediated Doxorubicin Delivery by Microbubble-liposome Complex

The invention presents an innovative method that leverages ultrasound (US) technology to deliver doxorubicin (Dox) via a microbubble-liposome complex (DoxLPX) for cancer treatment.

Description

This innovative method significantly enhancing antitumor efficacy while minimizing cardiotoxicity. The invention promises to revolutionize the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas by enabling higher doses of Dox to be administered safely, thereby improving patient outcomes and survival rates.

Applications

• Diagnostic Imaging
• Therapeutic Medical Device
• Drug Delivery / Formulation
• Gene Therapy - CRISPR

Advantages

The primary advantage of this invention lies in its ability to deliver doxorubicin directly to tumor sites using ultrasound-triggered microbubble-liposome complexes. This targeted approach significantly reduces the cardiotoxic effects commonly associated with doxorubicin, allowing for higher therapeutic doses and improved patient outcomes. The invention has demonstrated superior efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and increasing survival rates in preclinical models. Additionally, the use of ultrasound as a non-invasive trigger for drug release offers a safer and more controlled delivery method compared to traditional chemotherapy. This technology not only enhances the therapeutic index of doxorubicin but also opens new avenues for the treatment of other cancers and diseases requiring targeted drug delivery.

Invention Readiness

The invention is currently at the in vivo testing stage, with promising results demonstrating its efficacy and safety. Preclinical studies have shown that the DoxLPX + US treatment effectively inhibits tumor growth and reduces cardiotoxicity in sarcoma-bearing mice. The next steps involve further validation through clinical trials to confirm these findings in human subjects. The technology has received support from the NIH, indicating strong potential for future development and commercialization. Continued research and collaboration with industry partners will be crucial in advancing this innovative therapy towards clinical application and market readiness.

IP Status

https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2021097224A1