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”