mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in the development of nanoparticles to cross the blood-brain-barrier for treatment of Lou Gehrig's disease

 

ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) affects the nervous system leading to loss of muscle control. Researchers at University of Porto and University of Santiago de Compostela used mPEG-PLGA (AK106) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop nanoparticles to transport edaravone across the blood brain barrier. This research holds promise to improve therapeutic options against Lou Gehrig’s disease in the future. Read more: Aguiar, Brandon, Ana Rita Alfenim, Cláudia Sofia Machado, Joana Moreira, Miguel Pinto, Francisco J. Otero-Espinar, Fernanda Borges, and Carlos Fernandes. "Exploring Nano-Delivery Systems to Enhance the Edaravone Performance in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Treatment." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 26, no. 5 (2025): 2146. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11900301/

“Edaravone is one of the treatment options for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, but its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to the incapacity to cross the blood–brain barrier, as well as its short life span and poor stability, which is ultimately caused by its tautomerism in physiological condions. This work presents an overview about the use of several nanoformulations based on polymeric, protein, lipidic, or hybrid structure as suitable and stable drug delivery systems for encapsulating edaravone. We also evaluated the functionalization of nanoparticles with pegylated chains using the polyethylene glycol or tocopherol polyethylene glycol succinate and the possibility of preparing polymeric nanoparticles at different pH (7.4, 9, and 11). Edaravone was sucessfully encapsulated in polymeric, lipid–polymer hybrid, and lipidic nanoparticles. The use of higher pH values in the synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles has led to a decrease in nanoparticle size and an increase in the percentage of encapsulation efficiency. However, the resulting nanoformulations are not stable. Only polymeric and hybrid nanoparticles showed good stability over 80 days of storage, mainly at 4 °C. Overall, the nanoformulations tested did not show cytotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line except the nanostructured lipid carrier formulations that showed some cytotoxicity possibly due to lipidic peroxidation. In conclusion, this work shows that edaravone can be encapsulated in different nanocarriers that could act as an interesting alternative for the treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Keywords: edaravone, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, hybrid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers”

PLGA (Cat# AK106): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK106#h
Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/
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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of Ocular delivery system

 

There are a variety of diseases that affect the back of the eye which can lead to blindness in affected individuals. Researchers at University of North Texas and The University of Texas at Austin used PLGA (AP040) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop an ocular delivery system to release a novel compound that reduces ocular disease. This research holds promise to provide for treatments against blindness. Read more: Garrett, Meredith, Stacy Curry, Sherri Feris, Yan Lu, Qi Gu, Abe Clark, Stephen F. Martin, and Michail Kastellorizios. "Delivery of a novel neuroprotective compound to the retina in rat and rabbit animal models." Journal of Controlled Release (2025): 113659. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365925002792

“Posterior segment-related diseases are among the leading causes of irreversible blindness and loss of vision globally. These diseases are extremely difficult to treat due to the drug delivery barriers posed by the eye, among other challenges. One delivery method that bypasses many of these obstacles, albeit not without risk, is ocular injections, and long-acting formulations such as implants can improve patient compliance by allowing for longer intervals between injections. Here, we report our development of a preclinical in situ-forming implant dosage form that provides sustained release of a novel compound, DKR-1677, with a target in the retina. An in situ-forming implant based on polylactic co glycolic acid (PLGA) was chosen in this preclinical stage because it is readily translatable to a preformed implant product. The formulations were tested in vitro, in rat and rabbit animal models for drug release and pharmacokinetics. A two-step in vitro dissolution method with implant formation in a biorelevant gel followed by incubation in release media showed a 30-day three-phase release profile with an initial burst release of 36.04 ± 4.23 %, a plateau, and a controlled release up to 93.75 ± 4.68 % at day 30, typical of PLGA-based implant formulations. Immediate and controlled-release formulations were tested in rat and rabbit animal models and confirmed that DKR-1677 is taken up by the retina after intravitreal administration. Furthermore, the in situ-forming implant was found to prolong drug presence in the retina to 30 days following a single administration, confirming that a PLGA-based implant is a viable approach for this drug candidate.”

PCL (Cat# AP040): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP040#h

Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

Polycaprolactone from PolySciTech used in development of Cell scaffold.

 

Vascular grafts are a way to regrow damaged blood vessels. Researchers at University of Colorado used PCL (AP257) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop scaffolds for graft repair. This research holds promise to improve healing of damaged tissues. Read more: Battistella, Aurora, Morgan Linger, Richard D. Johnson, Anna Sallee, Rajan Jain, Bridget Antreasian, Yifu Ding, and Wei Tan. "Fabrication of Polymer Blend Vascular Grafts with Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Rapid Cell Infiltration: Influence of Micro/Nanostructure, Polymer Composition, and Post-Processing on Pore Architecture And Bioengineered Environment." Nanostructure, Polymer Composition, and Post-Processing on Pore Architecture And Bioengineered Environment. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5179106

“Abstract: Vascular grafts are often used to treat cardiovascular diseases. Desired properties of next-generation graft materials include artery-like mechanics, clinically feasible manufacturing processes, and a bioactive interface that facilitates rapid and deep infiltration of neighboring cells to support tissue regeneration. These requirements inspired the design, fabrication, and post-processing of our graft materials. In terms of material design, we evaluated the performance of three microfiber graft materials composed of a hydrophobic polymer and photo-clickable, 4-arm thiolated polyethylene glycol-norbornene (PEG-NB). The materials included two coaxially nanostructured fiber designs, each featuring a PEG-NB sheath and different cores—polycaprolactone (PCL) and polycaprolactone-co-lactic acid (PLCL), respectively—and a mixed composition created by directly blending the sheath and core solutions during electrospinning. For post-processing, the constructs were either air-dried or freeze-dried. Surface morphology was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, while mechanical properties were characterized through tensile testing and dynamic mechanical analysis. Subcutaneous implants were evaluated at 1, 4, and 16 weeks using histological, immunofluorescent, and multiphoton microscopy analyses to examine cellular distribution, material structure, and tissue remodeling. Results showed that the freeze-drying post-processing method enhanced overall porosity, stiffness, and ultimate tensile strength. Among all tested conditions, the freeze-dried core-sheath structure with PCL most closely matched the mechanical properties of native vessels. Using PLCL as a core material increased degradation and cell infiltration during the first month of subcutaneous studies. Ultimately, graft strength, porosity, and bioactivity were effectively modulated by the choice of core material and post-processing method. The distinct strengths of PCL and PLCL as a core polymer suggest that combining these materials could potentially optimize material degradation, cell infiltration and tissue remodeling along with mechanical performance.”

PCL (Cat# AP257): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP257#h

Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

Fluorescent PLGA from PolySciTech used in tracking lymph node drainage in rodent model as part of allergy research

 

Allergic reactions are a T-cell mediated condition which is typified by a pathological immune response yet remains not fully understood. Researchers at University of Pittsburgh used fluorescent PLGA-FPR648 (Cat# AV008) PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to prepare fluorescent microparticles for the study which were used to track drainage through the lymph nodes in rodent model during allergic interactions. This research holds promise to improve understanding of allergic interactions and work towards improved treatment options. Read more: Bentley, Elizabeth R., Stacia Subick, Jake Doran, Julie Kobyra, Stephen C. Balmert, and Steven R. Little. "Local delivery of an adenosine receptor agonist reduces inflammation associated with contact hypersensitivity." Drug Delivery and Translational Research (2025): 1-16. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-025-01831-x

“Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), a T-cell mediated inflammatory skin condition, is prompted by multiple, subsequent exposures to contact allergens (e.g., nickel). Current treatment approaches for ACD include repeated topical application or systemic delivery of immunosuppressants. These treatment strategies have many limitations, including non-specific mechanism of actions and the occurrence of side effects due to their delivery method. For this reason, we developed a novel therapeutic approach that is based upon adenosine (Ado) receptor signaling, a known anti-inflammatory pathway. Specifically, we developed a polymer microparticle-based controlled release system capable of presenting IBMECA (IBMECA-MPs), an Ado receptor agonist, to the local environment. In this study, we first sought to study the immunosuppressive effects of IBMECA on immune cells implicated in the pathogenesis of ACD (e.g., dendritic cells) in vitro. Subsequently, we examined the effects of enhancing adenosine signaling in contact hypersensitivity (CHS), an in vivo model of ACD, through local administration of IBMECA-MPs. We observed that IBMECA-MPs were capable of reducing the inflammatory response associated with CHS by reducing maturation markers of antigen-presenting cells, altering cytokine secretion, and reducing relative frequencies of effector T cell populations. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of therapeutic efficacy of IBMECA in CHS, as well as the first proof-of-principle demonstration of IBMECA application in the context of a local drug delivery system. Ultimately, this delivery system has the potential to be adapted for use in other T-cell mediated inflammatory conditions (e.g., transplant rejection), suggesting broader implications of this study.”

mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AV008): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AV008#h

Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech Used in Development of anti-TNF-alpha therapy for Crohn’s disease treatment.

 

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease caused by over immune response. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University used PEG-PLGA (AK106) ) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop nanoparticles which deliver monoclonal antibodies for anti-TNF-alpha which reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and signals the body to take a less aggressive immune response. This research holds promise to improve treatment of IBS. Read more: Zhang, Yicheng, Ling Li, Jiayuan Kong, Yuanmuhuang Long, Xiaoya Lu, Christopher J. Erb, Yurun Miao et al. "Long-acting injectable nanoparticle formulation for sustained release of anti-TNF-α antibody therapeutic in ulcerative colitis treatment." Journal of Controlled Release 380 (2025): 1005-1016. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168365925001567

“Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are chronic, remitting, and relapsing conditions of the gastrointestinal tract with incompletely elucidated etiology. The anti-TNF-α mAbs represent one of aflash nanocomplexation and flash nanoprecipitation process, resulting in particles with a narrow size distribution and tunable release profile, with the longest in vitro release lasting over four months. These mAb-releasing NPs are then incorporated into hyaluronic acid hydrogel microparticles (MPs) to enhance tissue retention, thus extending the duration of mAb release in vivo. A single i.m. injection of the LAI can maintain the serum mAb level above the therapeutically effective concentration for over 100 days in healthy mice. In a 9-week study using a dextran sulfate-induced chronic colitis model, the anti-TNF-α LAI formulation demonstrates substantial therapeutic efficacy and a better safety profile than free mAb injections. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of this LAI system in maintaining a persistent serum mAb level and its potential as a versatile, safer, and effective delivery system for antibody therapeutics.”

mPEG-PLGA (Cat# AK106): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AK106#h

Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/

MidWest GMP for scaled clinical formulation manufacturing

 

Midwest GMP was founded to bridge the gap between benchtop research and cGMP manufacturing for early clinical use of extended-release pharmaceuticals. Construction completed in 2025 and located in West Lafayette, Indiana with over 1100 square feet of clean-room space available, MidWest GMP is available to work on your project. Contact Direct Chad Johnson (cj@akinainc.com) to discuss your project or visit www.midwestgmp.com to learn more.

PLGA from PolySciTech : Akina used in development of hydrogel for treatment of heart disease

 

Heart disease is the main cause of death worldwide. Researchers at University of Texas at Arlington and The University of Akron used PLGA (cat# AP154) from PolySciTech Division of Akina, Inc. (www.polyscitech.com) to develop SDF-1a releasing particles to load in with hydrogel matrix to repair damaged heart tissue. This research holds promise to improve treatments against heart-attacks and related cardiovascular diseases. Rear more: Xu, Jiazhu, Jacob Brown, Rubia Shaik, Luis Soto-Garcia, Jun Liao, Kytai Nguyen, Ge Zhang, and Yi Hong. "Injectable myocardium-derived hydrogels with SDF-1α releasing for cardiac repair." Biomaterials Advances (2025): 214203. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772950825000305

“Developed a nanocomposite hydrogel by encapsulating SDF-1α-loaded PLGA NPs into a cdECM hydrogel. Achieved sustained SDF-1α release over four weeks in vitro, compared to one week for direct encapsulation. PLGA NPs incorporation enhanced cdECM hydrogel mechanics, significantly improving both stiffness and strength. Demonstrated the ability to accelerate angiogenesis and restore cardiac function in a rat MI model. Myocardial infarction (MI) is a predominant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Therapeutic chemokines, such as stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), present a promising opportunity to treat the profibrotic remodeling post-MI if they can be delivered effectively to the injured tissue. However, direct injection of SDF-1α or physical entrapment in a hydrogel has shown limited efficacy. Here, we developed a sustained-release system consisting of SDF-1α loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) and an injectable porcine cardiac decellularized extracellular matrix (cdECM) hydrogel. This system demonstrated a sustained release of SDF-1α over four weeks while there is one week release for SDF-1α directly encapsulated in the cdECM hydrogel during in vitro testing. The incorporation of PLGA NPs into the cdECM hydrogel significantly enhanced its mechanical properties, increasing the Young's modulus from 561 ± 228 kPa to 1007 ± 2 kPa and the maximum compressive strength from 639 ± 42 kPa to 1014 ± 101 kPa. This nanocomposite hydrogel showed good cell compatibility after 7 days of culture with H9C2 cells, while the released SDF-1α retained its bioactivity, as evidenced by its chemotactic effects in vitro. Furthermore, in vivo studies further highlighted its significant ability to promote angiogenesis in the infarcted area and improve cardiac function after intramyocardial injection. These results demonstrated the therapeutic potential of combining local release of SDF-1α with the cdECM hydrogel for MI treatment.”

PLGA (Cat# AP154): https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP154#h

Akina, Inc. launches new GMP manufacturing service available to outside customers https://www.akinainc.com/midwestgmp/

Corbion Purasorb® Polymers: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/purasorb/

Ashland-TM Polymer Products: https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/ashland/