Recent patent describes use of PLGA-PEG-Mal from PolySciTech for nanoparticle-based therapies

Theranostics is a field of research in cancer which focuses on developing techniques that both diagnose and treat cancer. One method of accomplishing this is putting agents which can be detected by fluorescence, ultrasound, or x-ray techniques along with active drugs in a targeted nanoparticle structure. Recently, researchers at the University of Nevada used mPEG-PLGA (PolyVivo AK051) and Mal-PEG-PLGA (Polyvivo AI075) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to develop a nanoparticle system containing drugs and quantum dots. This technology holds promise to provide for improved therapy for cancer in the future. Read more: Zhu, Xiaoshan, and Violeta Demillo. "Composites and Compositions for Therapeutic Use and Methods of Making and Using The Same." U.S. Patent Application 15/872,763, filed June 7, 2018. http://www.freepatentsonline.com/y2018/0154024.html

“Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of composites and compositions that can be used for therapeutic applications in vivo and/or in vitro. The disclosed composites can comprise cores having magnetic nanoparticles, quantum dots, or combinations thereof and zwitterionic polymeric coatings that facilitate solubility and bioconjugation. The compositions disclosed herein can comprise the composites and one or more biomolecules, drugs, or combinations thereof. Also disclosed herein are methods of making the composites, composite components, and methods of making quantum dots for use in the composites.”

BPCR conference (August 29, 2018 9AM - 4PM: Kurz Purdue Technology Center, West Lafayette, IN) is a free, 1-day scientific-networking conference hosted by Akina, Inc. See more BPCRconference.com

PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of therapeutic nanoparticle system for treatment of diabetes-associated breast cancer

There are many causes and factors involved with cancer growth. One factor is abnormal levels of sugar resultant from diabetes. Since cancer cells have unusual metabolism, diabetes can encourage cancer to form or exacerbate existing cancers. Recently, researchers working at Tongji University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Charles R. Drew University, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Arlington, Xavier University of Louisiana, California State University, and University of California used PLGA from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to create nanoparticles for delivering a novel therapeutic drug which targets cancer’s dependence on glucose. This research holds promise to provide for better strategies to treat diabetes-associated breast cancer. Read more: Ke Wu, Xiaoting Yu, Zhimin Huang, Donghui Zhu, Xianghua Yi, Ying-Li Wu, Qiongyu Hao, Kevin T. Kemp II, Yahya Elshimali, Roshni Iyer, Kytai Truong Nguyen, Shilong Zheng, Guanglin Chen, Qiao-Hong Chen, Guangdi Wang, Jaydutt V Vadgama, and Yong Wu. "Targeting of PP2Cδ by a small molecule C23 inhibits high glucose-induced breast cancer progression in vivo". Antioxidants and Redox Signaling DOI: 10.1089/ars.2017.7486 (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/ars.2017.7486).

“Abstract: Aims: Epidemiologic evidence indicates that diabetes may increase risk of breast cancer (BC) and mortality in patients with cancer. The pathophysiological relationships between diabetes and cancer are not fully understood and personalized treatments for diabetes-associated BC are urgently needed. Results: We observed that high glucose (HG), via activation of nuclear phosphatase PP2Cδ, suppresses p53 function and consequently promotes BC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. PP2Cδ expression is higher in tumor tissues from BC patients with hyperglycemia than those with normoglycemia. The mechanisms underlying HG stimulation of PP2Cδ involve classical/novel PKCs activation and GSK3β phosphorylation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)/NF-κB pathway also mediates HG induction of PP2Cδ. Furthermore, we identified a 1,5-diheteroarylpenta-1,4-dien-3-one (C23) as a novel potent PP2Cδ inhibitor with a striking cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells through cell-based screening assay for growth inhibition and activity of a group of curcumin mimics. Besides directly inhibiting PP2Cδ activity, C23 blocks HG induction of PP2Cδ expression via HSP27 induction and subsequent ablation of ROS/NF-κB activation. C23 thus can significantly block HG-triggered inhibition of p53 activity, leading to the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Additionally, hyperglycemia promotes BC development in diabetic nude mice and C23 inhibits the xenografted BC tumor growth. Conclusions and Innovation: Our findings elucidate mechanisms that may have contributed to diabetes-associated breast cancer progression and provide the first evidence to support the possible alternative therapeutic approach to breast cancer patients with diabetes.”

BPCR conference (August 29, 2018 9AM - 4PM: Kurz Purdue Technology Center, West Lafayette, IN) is a free, 1-day scientific-networking conference hosted by Akina, Inc. See more BPCRconference.com

CRS Presentation

John Garner will be presenting “Solvent-dependent PLGA solubility for separation of PLGAs with different lactide:glycolide ratios” at the #CRSNYC Annual Meeting & Exposition! Learn more here: bit.ly/2kB2juf

PLGA-PEG-Mal from PolySciTech used as part of oral exenatide formulation development for diabetes treatment

Convenience is one of the often overlooked aspects of medical technology, however it is critical as convenience encourages patient compliance with medicinal regimens. Naturally, patients prefer oral formulations over injected formulations. Some medicines, however, have very poor absorption from the GI tract, which limits their ability to be administered by this route. Exenatide, a drug which treats diabetes, is one example of a poorly absorbed medicine. Recently, researchers at Binzhou Medical University, Yantai University, and Luye Pharmaceutical Co. (China) used PLGA-PEG-Maleimide (PolyVivo AI020) and mPEG-PLGA (PolyVivo AK037) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to generate nanoparticles to cross the intestinal barrier to improve the oral bioavailability of exanatide. This research holds promise to offer an oral therapy for diabetes. Read more: Zhang, Liping, Yanan Shi, Yina Song, Xinfeng Sun, Xuemei Zhang, Kaoxiang Sun, and Youxin Li. "The use of low molecular weight protamine to enhance oral absorption of exenatide." International Journal of Pharmaceutics (2018). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517318303648

“Abstract: Although oral delivery of exenatide has significant advantages, its poor permeability through intestinal epithelial membranes and rapid digestion by pepsin and ereptase in the gastrointestinal tract make effective oral delivery of exenatide a formidable challenge. In this study, we constructed a zinc ion (Zn2+) and exenatide complex functionalized nanoparticle (NP) oral delivery system to overcome the above-mentioned issue. Polyethylene glycol-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG-PLGA) was used as a drug carrier to escape enzymatic degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, and low molecular weight protamine (LMWP) was used as a functional group to increase penetration of NPs into the intestinal epithelium. The functionalized NPs exhibited significantly improved penetration across the intestinal epithelium, as shown by cell uptake and transmembrane transport experiments. Moreover, a significant hypoglycemic effect was observed in diabetic rats. The relative bioavailability of the orally administered functionalized NPs vs. subcutaneous injection was 7.44%, 29-fold that of the exenatide-Zn2+ solution group. These findings indicate that our modification could effectively improve exenatide treatment. Keywords: Low molecular weight protamine PEG-PLGA Functionalized nanoparticle Exenatide-Zn2+ Oral delivery”

BPCR conference (August 29, 2018 9AM - 4PM: Kurz Purdue Technology Center, West Lafayette, IN) is a free, 1-day scientific-networking conference hosted by Akina, Inc. See more BPCRconference.com

Memorial Day

Akina, Inc. (www.akinainc.com) Will be closed for Memorial Day May 28, 2018. We will resume normal business the following day.

BPCR Free Scientific Networking Conference August 29, 2018

BPCR conference (August 29, 2018 9AM - 4PM: Kurz Purdue Technology Center, West Lafayette, IN) is a free, 1-day scientific networking conference hosted by Akina, Inc. This conference focuses on research companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical, and broader life-science fields. Speakers include Anton Iliuk (Tymora), Kelvin Okamoto (Gen3Bio), Cedric D’Hue (D’Hue Law), and Raouf Gharbo (Peerbridge Health). Free exhibit-hall booth spaces still available. (BPCRconference.com)

PLGA-amine and PEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of micro-RNA based treatment for glioblastoma

As DNA is transcribed it proceeds through an RNA (single strand) precursor which is then used to synthesize proteins. One therapeutic strategy is to find RNA counter-sequences which block the transcription for proteins of certain types (i.e. cancer-related factors) as this can reduce the growth and spread of cancer. Recently, researchers at Stanford University used PLGA-NH2 (AI010) and mPEG-PLGA (AK071) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech) to develop novel brain-cancer therapy. This research holds promise for development of therapeutic strategies against this often fatal form of cancer. Read more: Meenakshi Malhotra, Thillai Veerapazham Sekar, Jeyarama S. Ananta, Rammohan Devulapally, Rayhaneh Afjei, Husam A. Babikir, Ramasamy Paulmurugan, and Tarik F. Massoud  “Targeted nanoparticle delivery of therapeutic antisense microRNAs presensitizes glioblastoma cells to lower effective doses of temozolomide in vitro and in a mouse model” Oncotarget. 2018; 9:21478-21494. https://doi.org/10.18632/oncotarget.25135

“ABSTRACT: Temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy for glioblastoma (GBM) is generally well tolerated at standard doses but it can cause side effects. GBMs overexpress microRNA-21 and microRNA-10b, two known oncomiRs that promote cancer development, progression and resistance to drug treatment. We hypothesized that systemic injection of antisense microRNAs (antagomiR-21 and antagomiR-10b) encapsulated in cRGD-tagged PEG-PLGA nanoparticles would result in high cellular delivery of intact functional antagomiRs, with consequent efficient therapeutic response and increased sensitivity of GBM cells to lower doses of TMZ. We synthesized both targeted and non-targeted nanoparticles, and characterized them for size, surface charge and encapsulation efficiency of antagomiRs. When using targeted nanoparticles in U87MG and Ln229 GBM cells, we showed higher uptake-associated improvement in sensitivity of these cells to lower concentrations of TMZ in medium. Co-inhibition of microRNA-21 and microRNA-10b reduced the number of viable cells and increased cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase upon TMZ treatment. We found a significant increase in expression of key target genes for microRNA-21 and microRNA-10b upon using targeted versus non-targeted nanoparticles. There was also significant reduction in tumor volume when using TMZ after pre-treatment with loaded nanoparticles in human GBM cell xenografts in mice. In vivo targeted nanoparticles plus different doses of TMZ showed a significant therapeutic response even at the lowest dose of TMZ, indicating that preloading cells with antagomiR-21 and antagomiR-10b increases cellular chemosensitivity towards lower TMZ doses. Future clinical applications of this combination therapy may result in improved GBM response by using lower doses of TMZ and reducing nonspecific treatment side effects.”

BPCR conference (August 29, 2018 9AM - 4PM: Kurz Purdue Technology Center, West Lafayette, IN) is a free, 1-day scientific networking conference hosted by Akina, Inc. See more BPCRconference.com