University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed an injectable nanoparticle designed to selectively target atherosclerotic plaques and remove calcium deposits, fundamental to the pathology of cardiovascular disease.
Description
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) causes around 18 million deaths annually worldwide making it the global leading cause of death. Atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries, is the main cause of CVD brought about by calcium and cholesterol plaques accumulating against the arterial wall. Calcification of plaques not only risks blocking arteries but also places mechanical stress on the artery leaving these vessels prone to rupture. Nanoparticles (NPs) containing sodium thiosulfate can selectively target calcified plaques promoting breakdown and removal and reducing the risk of rupture and associated CVD with less side effects, improving patient outcomes.
Applications
• Atherosclerosis
Advantages
Current treatments for atherosclerosis use cholesterol-lowering drugs; however, around a third of patients have coronary arterial calcification (CAC) and an average of 20% of plaque material composition comes from calcification. At present, sodium thiosulfate (STS), an FDA-approved drug, can treat calciphylaxis through the conversion of the highly insoluble calcium phosphate (CaP) found in arterial plaques to calcium thiosulfate, a highly soluble salt leading to degradation and removal. However, STS is currently administered systemically and is associated with adverse effects including hallucinations, fatigue, pain, seizures, and tinnitus. Using NPs (<100 nm in diameter) that encapsulate sodium thiosulfate conjugated with a selective plaque binding peptide, it is possible to selectively target plaques without targeting other organs.
Invention Readiness
Using this selective binding peptide in addition to these novel STS nanoparticles (STS-NPs), it is possible to selectively target the intimal and medial layers of the artery leading to localized delivery of STS to atherosclerotic plaques and reducing the risk of side effects. Currently, in the concept stage, it is envisioned that this approach would involve multiple treatments with STS-NPs to decrease the amount of calcium within plaques, reducing the risk of rupture. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of STS are predicted to reverse the endothelial dysfunction that results from plaque formation. Testing is required to examine the safety and efficacy of this approach and improvements in arterial wall stress. STS-NPs are likely considerably more cost-effective than many approaches for atherosclerosis including stents and angioplasty, making this an accessible treatment for many.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2024092228A2
