PLA-amine from PolySciTech used in development of atherosclerosis-targeted nanoparticles for treatment of heart disease

Heart disease, typically due to atherosclerotic lesions, is one of the leading causes of death in USA. Most treatments for this disease focus on surgical interventions (e.g. stent placement), which is often utilized in acute situations, or on systemic medicines such as statins, which are typically applied as a preventative. There is a need for therapies to be applied in non-emergency situations but where atherosclerotic lesions are known to be present. Conventionally, nanoparticles have been applied for use against cancer, however they can be targeted to lesions by using appropriate targeting moieties. Recently, researchers working jointly at Harvard Medical School, New York University, Technical University of Denmark, Korea Institute of Ceramic Engineering and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, and King Abdulaziz University used PLA-NH2 (PolyVivo AI041, www.polyscitech.com) from PolySciTech as a reactive precursor for generating a fluorescently-conjugated tracer as part of a novel nanoparticle-based system for treatment of artherosclerosis. Read more: Yu, Mikyung, Jaume Amengual, Arjun Menon, Nazila Kamaly, Felix Zhou, Xiaoding Xu, Phei Er Saw et al. "Targeted Nanotherapeutics Encapsulating Liver X Receptor Agonist GW3965 Enhance Antiatherogenic Effects without Adverse Effects on Hepatic Lipid Metabolism in Ldlr−/− Mice." Advanced Healthcare Materials (2017). http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adhm.201700313/full

“Abstract: The pharmacological manipulation of liver X receptors (LXRs) has been an attractive therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis treatment as they control reverse cholesterol transport and inflammatory response. This study presents the development and efficacy of nanoparticles (NPs) incorporating the synthetic LXR agonist GW3965 (GW) in targeting atherosclerotic lesions. Collagen IV (Col IV) targeting ligands are employed to functionalize the NPs to improve targeting to the atherosclerotic plaque, and formulation parameters such as the length of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating molecules are systematically optimized. In vitro studies indicate that the GW-encapsulated NPs upregulate the LXR target genes and downregulate proinflammatory mediator in macrophages. The Col IV-targeted NPs encapsulating GW (Col IV–GW–NPs) successfully reaches atherosclerotic lesions when administered for 5 weeks to mice with preexisting lesions, substantially reducing macrophage content (≈30%) compared to the PBS group, which is with greater efficacy versus nontargeting NPs encapsulating GW (GW–NPs) (≈18%). In addition, mice administered the Col IV–GW–NPs do not demonstrate increased hepatic lipid biosynthesis or hyperlipidemia during the treatment period, unlike mice injected with the free GW. These findings suggest a new form of LXR-based therapeutics capable of enhanced delivery of the LXR agonist to atherosclerotic lesions without altering hepatic lipid metabolism.”

Protein phosphorylation assay kits by Tymora Analytical now available through PolySciTech

The selective phosphorylation of proteins is a key step in many pathways regulating their functions. Abnormal phosphorylation is involved in a wide variety of diseases including cancer. To perform antibody labeling, an effective antibody has to be made for each phosphorylated protein, which is an expensive and time-consuming process. Recently, Tymora Analytical has developed a titanium-based reagent assay kit to allow for detection of protein phosphorylation in a rapid, efficient, and sensitive assay. Due to a recent distribution agreement, these products are now available through PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/tymora/). Learn more about this powerful assay method in a recent publication here: Iliuk, Anton, Li Li, Michael Melesse, Mark C. Hall, and W. Andy Tao. "Multiplexed Imaging of Protein Phosphorylation on Membranes Based on TiIV Functionalized Nanopolymers." ChemBioChem 17, no. 10 (2016): 900-903. http://europepmc.org/articles/4870103

“Abstract: Accurate protein phosphorylation analysis reveals dynamic cellular signaling events not evident from protein expression levels. The most dominant biochemical assay, western blotting, suffers from the inadequate availability and poor quality of phospho-specific antibodies for phosphorylated proteins. Furthermore, multiplexed assays based on antibodies are limited by steric interference between the antibodies. Here we introduce a multifunctionalized nanopolymer for the universal detection of phosphoproteins that, in combination with regular antibodies, allows multiplexed imaging and accurate determination of protein phosphorylation on membranes. Keywords: antibodies, dendrimers, membranes, multiplexed analysis, phosphoproteins”

CRS Meeting 2017

Meet PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) at booth 501 at the CRS meeting in Boston next week https://www.controlledreleasesociety.org/meetings/annual/Pages/default.aspx

PLGA from PolySciTech used in the development of nanoparticle-based obesity treatment

Obesity in humans is a contributing factor to many other health concerns, such as arthritis and cardiovascular problems. Recently, researchers at Purdue University utilized PLGA from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) (PolyVivo AP101) to develop nanoparticles which deliver dibenzazepine to reduce the overgrowth of adipocytes (fat-cells). This research holds promise to provide for improved treatments of obesity. Read more: Jiang, Chunhui, Mario Alberto Cano-Vega, Feng Yue, Liangju Kuang, Naagarajan Narayanan, Gozde Uzunalli, Madeline P. Merkel, Shihuan Kuang, and Meng Deng. "Dibenzazepine-loaded nanoparticles induce local browning of white adipose tissue to counteract obesity." Molecular Therapy (2017). http://www.cell.com/molecular-therapy-family/molecular-therapy/abstract/S1525-0016(17)30256-3

“Inhibition of Notch signaling via systemic drug administration triggers conversion of white adipocytes into beige adipocytes (browning) and reduces adiposity. However, translation of this discovery into clinical practice is challenged by potential off-target side effects and lack of control over the location and temporal extent of beige adipocyte biogenesis. Here, we demonstrate an alternative approach to stimulate browning using nanoparticles (NPs) composed of FDA-approved poly(lactide-co-glycolide) that enable sustained local release of a Notch inhibitor (dibenzazepine, DBZ). These DBZ-loaded NPs support rapid cellular internalization and inhibit Notch signaling in adipocytes. Importantly, focal injection of these NPs into the inguinal white adipose tissue depots of diet-induced obese mice results in localized NP retention and browning of adipocytes, consequently improving the glucose homeostasis and attenuating body-weight gain of the treated mice. These findings offer new avenues to develop a potential therapeutic strategy for clinical treatment of obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome. Keywords: drug delivery; nanoparticle; browning; adipocyte; Notch signaling; obesity; PLGA; dibenzazepine; adipose tissue; Notch inhibitor”

Tissue scaffolds with improved delivery of growth factor developed using PLGA-PEG-Mal from PolySciTech

A powerful tool in medicine would be the ability to produce a tissue-scaffold which allows for tissue which has been lost due to disease or trauma to be replaced with fresh stem-cells. There are many barriers to the developemtn of this tool one of which is ensuring that the stem-cells have the appropriate anchoring sites as well as the correct growth factors to ensure their appropriate growth and development. Recently, researchers working jointly at Fudan University (China), Tianjin Medical University (China), Ewha Women’s University (Korea), and University of Michigan utilized Maleimide-PEG-PLGA (PolyVivo AI136) and fluorescently conjugated PLGA-FPR648 (Polyvivo AV008) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to generate a scaffold which allowed for controlled release of differentiation factors. They used the developed scaffold to repair ischemic tissue in a mouse model. This research holds promise to enable tissue repair and regeneration by successfully growing differentiated stem-cells into damaged areas. Read more: Li, Ruixiang, Zhiqing Pang, Huining He, Seungjin Lee, Jing Qin, Jian Wu, Liang Pang, Jianxin Wang, and Victor C. Yang. "Drug depot-anchoring hydrogel: A self-assembling scaffold for localized drug release and enhanced stem cell differentiation." Journal of Controlled Release (2017). http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S016836591730706X

“Abstract: Localized and long-term delivery of growth factors has been a long-standing challenge for stem cell-based tissue engineering. In the current study, a polymeric drug depot-anchoring hydrogel scaffold was developed for the sustained release of macromolecules to enhance the differentiation of stem cells. Self-assembling peptide (RADA16)-modified drug depots (RDDs) were prepared and anchored to a RADA16 hydrogel. The anchoring effect of RADA16 modification on the RDDs was tested both in vitro and in vivo. It was shown that the in vitro leakage of RDDs from the RADA16 hydrogel was significantly less than that of the unmodified drug depots (DDs). In addition, the in vivo retention of injected hydrogel-incorporated RDDs was significantly longer than that of hydrogel-incorporated unmodified DDs. A model drug, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), was encapsulated in RDDs (V-RDDs) as drug depot that was then anchored to the hydrogel. The release of VEGF could be sustained for 4 weeks. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were cultured on the V-RDDs-anchoring scaffold and enhanced cell proliferation and differentiation were observed, compared with a VEGF-loaded scaffold. Furthermore, this scaffold laden with EPCs promoted neovascularization in an animal model of hind limb ischemia. These results demonstrate that self-assembling hydrogel-anchored drug-loaded RDDs are promising for localized and sustained drug release, and can effectively enhance the proliferation and differentiation of resident stem cells, thus lead to successful tissue regeneration. Graphical abstract: Schematic illustration of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded RDDs-anchoring hydrogel. The RADA16 peptide is the basic self-assembling unit forming fiber and constructing hydrogel; poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) based, VEGF-loaded drug depots (DDs) were modified using the RADA16 peptide (V-RDDs) to anchor them to the skeleton of the hydrogel; PEG was applied as a spacer to ensure the full stretch of the RADA16 peptide. VEGF demonstrated sustained release into the hydrogel to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of resident EPCs. Keywords: PLGA; RADA16 hydrogel; Sustained release; Endothelial progenitor cells; Vascular endothelial growth factor; Tissue regeneration”

mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of immune-control treatment for allergic reactions

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition caused by a pathological immune response to a given trigger such as poison ivy oils or nickel metal. This aggravating skin condition can be prevented and treated by reducing the local formation of allergen specific t-cells. Doing so, however, requires careful localized delivery of specific set of molecules including proteins and small-molecule signals to discourage an overly responsive immune attack. This same strategy has great application towards other uses such as autoimmune disease disorders and transplant rejection. Recently, Researchers at University of Pittsburgh used mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) (PolyVivo AK037) to generate microparticles which can locally deliver TGF-β1, Rapamycin, and IL-2 to the skin. They discovered these particles were successful in prevent or reversing allergic responses in sensitized mice. This research holds promise to treat a wide-array of immune-mediated disease state. Read more: Balmert, Stephen C., Cara Donahue, John R. Vu, Geza Erdos, Louis D. Falo, and Steven R. Little. "In vivo induction of regulatory T cells promotes allergen tolerance and suppresses allergic contact dermatitis." Journal of Controlled Release (2017). http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365917307046

“Abstract: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a common T-cell mediated inflammatory skin condition, characterized by an intensely pruritic rash at the site of contact with allergens like poison ivy or nickel. Current clinical treatments use topical corticosteroids, which broadly and transiently suppress inflammation and symptoms of ACD, but fail to address the underlying immune dysfunction. Here, we present an alternative therapeutic approach that teaches the immune system to tolerate contact allergens by expanding populations of naturally suppressive allergen-specific regulatory T cells (Tregs). Specifically, biodegradable poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) microparticles were engineered to release TGF-β1, Rapamycin, and IL-2, to locally sustain a microenvironment that promotes Treg differentiation. By expanding allergen-specific Tregs and reducing pro-inflammatory effector T cells, these microparticles inhibited destructive hypersensitivity responses to subsequent allergen exposure in an allergen-specific manner, effectively preventing or reversing ACD in previously sensitized mice. Ultimately, this approach to in vivo Treg induction could also enable novel therapies for transplant rejection and autoimmune diseases.”

mPEG-PLGA from PolyScitech used in development of dual-drug nanotherapy treatment for non-small cell lung cancer

Non-small cell lung cancer is an extremely prevelant type of cancer with over 200K cases in the USA per year. Typically it is treated using chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the incidence of reoccurrence is quite high after these therapies. Recently, researchers working jointly at University of North Carolina, Tiangin Vocational Institute (China), Westminster College, China Medical University, and Peking Union Medical College (China) used mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) (PolyVivo AK029) to develop a co-encapsulated nanoparticle loaded with paclitaxel and a cisplatin prodrug. They applied this to a mouse model of lung cancer and found the particles reduced tumor growth more effectively than loose drug administration. This research holds promise to improve the treatment of lung cancer. Read more: Jing Tian,  Yuanzeng Min,  Zachary Rodgers,  Kin Man Au,  Charles Tilden Hagan,  Maofan Zhang,  Kyle Roche,  Feifei Yang,  Kyle Thomas Wagner  and  Andrew Z Wang “Co-delivery of paclitaxel and cisplatin with biocompatible PLGA-PEG nanoparticles enhances chemoradiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer models.” J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, Accepted Manuscript. DOI 10.1039/C7TB01370A http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2017/tb/c7tb01370a#!divAbstract

“Abstract: Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with paclitaxel (PTX) and cisplatin (CP) is part of the standard of care for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the high treatment intensity, many patients still develop local recurrence after treatment. Thus, there is a strong need to further improve CRT for lung cancer. One strategy is to co-deliver cytotoxic chemotherapy agents using biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) which can limit off-target tissue toxicity and improve therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we report the development of dual-drug loaded nanoformulations that improve the efficacy of CRT for NSCLC by co-encapsulation of cisplatin (CP) and PTX in PLGA-PEG NPs. Mice bearing NSCLC xenografts given the dual-drug loaded NPs during CRT showed greater inhibition of tumor growth than free drug combinations or combinations of single-drug loaded NPs. These results indicate that using a NP co-delivery strategy for this common CRT regimen may improve clinical responses in NSCLC patients. Supplementary details http://www.rsc.org/suppdata/c7/tb/c7tb01370a/c7tb01370a1.pdf”

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