Pioneering Innovative Treatments for GI Diseases
Bouvé/ChE University Distinguished Professor Mansoor Amiji is developing innovative oral nucleic acid delivery systems to revolutionize treatment for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases that aim to deliver genetic medicines directly to the affected areas within the GI tract. This approach could lead to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life.
Gut health plays a crucial role in overall well-being. With conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease affecting millions worldwide, innovative treatments for gut disease are paramount. However, finding effective treatments for these diseases remains a significant challenge. Mansoor Amiji, University Distinguished Professor, pharmaceutical sciences and chemical engineering, is pioneering research to address these challenges.
Targeted therapies for GI diseases
The GI tract is a complex and challenging environment for drug delivery. Current treatments often struggle to target the specific sites of inflammation or damage, leading to less effective outcomes and unwanted side effects.
The Multi-Compartmental (MCP) oral nucleic acid delivery platform developed by Amiji and his lab addresses this challenge by delivering genetic medicines directly to the affected areas within the GI tract. The platform is particularly well-suited for targeting diseases of the GI tract, where oral administration is the most patient-friendly and convenient route. The platform’s ability to deliver nucleic acids directly to the GI tract holds the potential to revolutionize how these diseases are treated, leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life.
The MCP platform uses advanced formulations of polymers and lipids to create nanoparticles and microspheres that can deliver nucleic acids, such as mRNA, siRNA, and microRNA, precisely where they are needed. This targeted approach not only improves the effectiveness of the treatment but also minimizes potential side effects, offering a more patient-friendly solution.
From research to real-world applications
One of the challenges in developing new therapies for gut health is ensuring that innovative ideas can be translated from the lab to the clinic. Amiji’s partnership with Northeastern University’s Center for Research Innovation (CRI) is crucial in this process. Together, they are working to commercialize the MCP platform, bringing these groundbreaking therapies closer to those who need them most.
“Oral nucleic acid therapeutics, such as those using mRNA, have great potential to treat local diseases of the GI tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease,” says Amiji. “We believe that the multicompartmental oral nucleic acid formulation that we have developed and patented will be a game changer in this field and potentially solve important delivery challenges.”
With support from CRI, Amiji’s team has developed a comprehensive commercialization plan for the MCP platform. They have engaged industry partners, recruited a pharmaceutical consultant, and are actively seeking additional funding and partnerships to bring this groundbreaking technology to market.
“The CRI has been instrumental in our efforts to establish a new venture and create market opportunities,” says Amiji. “The CRI has also provided support for grant writing and business development, which we will leverage in the coming months as we seek partnerships around business development and investment.”
Beyond the GI tract, the MCP platform also holds promise for targeting other difficult-to-reach areas of the body, such as the brain and tumor cells. This versatility could open up new avenues for treating a wide range of diseases, making the MCP platform a game-changer in the field of genetic medicine.
The future of gut health and genetic medicine
As the understanding of gut health grows, so does the potential for new and effective treatments. Amiji’s work on the MCP oral nucleic acid delivery platform is at the forefront of this exciting field, offering hope for better management and treatment of GI disorders. By combining cutting-edge science with a focus on real-world applications, this research is poised to make a significant impact on gut health and beyond.
“The potential for nucleic acid therapies to solve important delivery challenges is enormous,” says Amiji. “Our research underscores the importance of continued investment and collaboration in the field to fully realize this potential.”
As Amiji’s lab continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in genetic medicine, the future looks bright for oral nucleic acid therapies. With ongoing support from CRI and industry partners, these innovative technologies are well on their way to becoming a reality, offering new hope for patients with GI diseases and other challenging medical conditions.
Source: Center for Research Innovation