University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed a new therapeutic approach for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Despite current treatments, many IBD patients do not respond or lose effectiveness over time, and the medications often have significant side effects. The researchers present an orally delivered, targeted microparticle formulation that aims to specifically address active inflammation in IBD. This innovative approach could revolutionize the treatment of IBD, which affects more than 1.5 million people in the United States alone.
Description
This new approach synthesized biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles containing the tolerogenic factors interleukin-2 (IL-2), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and rapamycin. They preferentially adhere to damaged colonic epithelium, allowing for low doses of drug to be administered. This targeted treatment could attenuate active colitis in a murine model of IBD.
Applications
- Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Targeted drug delivery
- Reduction of systemic side effects
Advantages
The orally delivered microparticles can target the site of active inflammation in the gut, allowing for lower overall doses of the therapeutic agents and potentially reducing systemic side effects.
Additionally, the microparticles deliver tolerogenic factors like IL-2, TGF-β, and rapamycin, which aim to modulate the local immune response and promote tolerance of treatment.
Invention Readiness
Researchers have conducted in vivo experiments using a murine model of IBD to test microparticles, composed of biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide), demonstrated preferential adherence to damaged colonic epithelium. Local administration of cytokines (IL-2, TGF-beta, and rapamycin) induced tolerance, suggesting efficacy in attenuating active colitis.
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20240293509A1
