PLGA from PolySciTech used in research on drug-delivery to the trachea for treatment of stenosis

 

Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) is characterized by abnormal wound healing that results in hypertrophic scarring and progressive narrowing of the airway. Researchers at University of Cincinnati used PLGA (AP049, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP049#h) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop a delivery system to treat stenosis. This research holds promise to provide treatment for this injury in the future. Read More: Cruz, Denzel Ryan D., Nour Awad, Nicholas Russell, Juliana El Sheikh, Logan Obermeyer, Peter J. Larson, Yoonjee C. Park, and Gregory R. Dion. "Evaluating the Local Response of a Novel Injectable Capsule for Drug Delivery in the Trachea." The Laryngoscope (2026). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/lary.70821

“Innovative therapies are needed to improve the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. This study investigated the local tissue response of a novel injectable drug delivery platform in a leporine tracheal model. Dye-loaded polymer (empty) implants were delivered into the pretracheal tissue of three New Zealand White rabbits using an 18-gauge needle and custom applicator to simulate peritracheal delivery adjacent to tracheal stenosis. Three additional rabbits underwent tracheal injury via electrocauterization to serve as comparative injury controls, and three additional rabbits were included as no-implant, no-injury tracheal controls. Animals underwent laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy on Days 0 and 14 to evaluate the primary outcome of local airway safety after implant placement. Secondary outcomes included ultrasound implant localization, indentation mapping of tracheal wall structural stiffness, and histological assessment. Implant-treated tracheas (n = 3) maintained lumen patency and organized tissue architecture without visible stenosis or microscopic inflammation, whereas injured tracheas (n = 3) demonstrated luminal distortion and disorganized early remodeling. Implant location was confirmed by ultrasound. Indentation mapping showed lower mean anterior and posterior tracheal wall stiffness in implant-treated specimens (5.28 and 4.47 mN/mm, respectively) compared with injured specimens (37.38 and 11.20 mN/mm, respectively). Posterior mucosal thickness was also lower in implant-treated tracheas than injured tracheas (31.02 vs. 56.07 μm). Overall, the implants did not appreciably alter the native tracheal structure. This novel injectable platform was well tolerated in the pretracheal space and preserved native tracheal structure, supporting future studies of therapeutic-loaded implants for stenosis mitigation and treatment.”

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Custom-Made PEG-PLGA-PLL from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticles for heart-disease treatment

 

Heart disease remains the number one cause of death amongst all diseases. Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and East China University of Science and Technology used custom-made PEG-PLGA-PLL from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) in development of nanoparticles for targeting atherosclerosis plaque and inhibiting further development of oxidized low-density lipoprotein which contributes to plaque build-up. This research holds promise to treat heart disease in the future. Read more: Duan, Yi, Yijie Qiu, Yan Zhu, Quan Wang, Jiangtao Lin, Yourong Duan, Qi Wang, and Yi Dong. "Plaque‐Hepatic Targeting Nanotherapy Disrupts the PCSK9‐LOX‐1 Axis to Suppress oxLDL in Atherosclerosis." Advanced Science (2026): e77100. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/advs.77100

“Atherosclerosis remains the leading cause of cardiovascular mortality, with elevated oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as a key driver. oxLDL metabolism involves two critical steps: generation mediated by proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9)-induced LDLR degradation, and plaque uptake via lectin-like oxLDL receptor-1 (LOX-1). Current PCSK9 inhibitors reduce oxLDL production but show limited effects on plaque oxLDL uptake and inflammation. Thus, synergistic strategies targeting both steps are urgently needed. To address this, we developed a hepatic-plaque targeting nanoparticle, siPCSK9@PEAL NPs-aL, based on a PEG-PLGA-PLL framework. The nanoparticle was surface-functionalized with anti-LOX-1 antibody for plaque targeting. Concurrently, optimized particle size enabled hepatic accumulation while minimizing clearance by the reticuloendothelial system (RES), facilitating effective hepatic delivery of siPCSK9. The PLGA core allowed controlled siRNA release, and the cationic PLL layer promoted efficient condensation and protection. In vitro, this system effectively silenced PCSK9, downregulated LOX-1, rescued mitochondrial function and reduced apoptosis. In advanced atherosclerosis mice, weekly administration significantly reduced aortic plaque burden, stabilized plaque composition, and normalized serum lipid levels. Lipidomics showed oxLDL-associated lipid downregulation and metabolic networks remodeling. Taken together, this dual-targeting nanodrug integrates systemic lipid-lowering with local anti-inflammatory effects by simultaneously inhibiting oxLDL generation and utilization, offering a promising precision therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.”

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PLA from PolySciTech used in development of Simvastatin-loaded nanoparticles to encourage bone regrowth

 

Simvastatin is a drug which has shown promise to improve the regrowth of bone however localizing it is necessary for it to operate. Researchers at University of Minnesota, University of Sao Paulo, University of California, University of Juiz de Fora, Universidade Sao Francisco, and Federal University of Goias used Poly(DL)lactide (cat# AP156, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP156#h) to develop simvastatin loaded nanoparticles for bone-tissue repair. This research holds promise to improve healing options in the future for traumatic bone injury. Read more: Alves, Tomaz, Priscila Lucena Mendes, Marlus da Silva Pedrosa, Danilo Balzarini, Letícia Miquelitto Gasparoni, Aldrin Huamán-Mendoza, Bruno Nunes de França et al. "Sustained simvastatin delivery via poly (lactide) nanoparticles enhances early osteogenic-associated responses in human periodontal ligament stem cells." Scientific Reports (2026). https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-63776-6

“Simvastatin has recognized osteoinductive properties, but its application in regenerative strategies is limited by poor aqueous behavior and a narrow cytocompatible dosing window. Here, we developed simvastatin-loaded poly(lactide) nanoparticles and evaluated whether nanoparticle-mediated delivery improves cytocompatibility and early osteogenic-associated responses of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) compared with free simvastatin. Nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation and characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and nanoparticle tracking analysis, showing spherical morphology and a mean diameter of approximately 150 nm. Cellular internalization was confirmed using rhodamine-labeled nanoparticles and confocal microscopy, demonstrating efficient uptake with predominantly cytoplasmic localization. In hPDLSCs, nanoparticle-delivered simvastatin improved short-term cytocompatibility and enhanced mineralization together with increased periostin and osteocalcin secretion, with the most pronounced differences observed at day 14, whereas mineralization outcomes converged between delivery formats by day 21. Complementary clonogenic assays in osteoblasts demonstrated that nanoparticle-mediated delivery attenuated simvastatin-associated loss of long-term proliferative capacity relative to free simvastatin under the tested conditions. These findings indicate that poly(lactide) nanoparticles may improve the cytocompatible delivery profile of simvastatin and preferentially enhance early osteogenic-associated responses in vitro in hPDLSCs, supporting further investigation of controlled simvastatin delivery strategies for periodontal regenerative applications.”

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PLA from PolySciTech used in development of brain-penetrating nanoparticle for treatment of neurological disorders.

 

Transport of medicines into the brain tissue is difficult due to the highly-selective Blood-Brain-Barrier. Researchers at Louisiana State University and Louisiana Tech University recently utilized Polylactide (Cat# AP047, https://akinainc.com/polyscitech/products/polyvivo/index.php?highlight=AP047#h) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) in development of electrically activated particles for brain delivery. This research holds promise to provide for delivery of drugs to brain diseases. Read more: Roy, Salona, Umisha Siwakoti, Daniel Alday, Carlos Astete, Ethan McElveen, Ashok Sigdel, Fabio Del Piero, Cristina Sabliov, Elisa Castagnola, and Qi Cai. "On-demand, reversible blood-brain barrier opening via electrical activation of piezoelectric nanoparticles for targeted brain drug delivery." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-07. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.07.20.738792.abstract

“Delivering therapeutics to the brain remains one of the most persistent challenges in medicine, because the blood-brain barrier (BBB) excludes over 98% of small-molecule drugs and virtually all biologics from the central nervous system (CNS). We developed electrical BBB modulation (eBBB), an on-demand platform combining vascular-targeting poly-L-lactic acid nanoparticles with high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation to achieve spatially and temporally controlled BBB opening. eBBB produced localized, reversible increases in BBB permeability confined to the stimulated cortex, with the opening area tunable via electrode geometry. This transient window enhanced regional delivery of a small-molecule drug, full-length immunoglobulins, and adeno-associated viral vectors, which are cargo classes otherwise completely excluded by the intact BBB. Neurovascular unit architecture was preserved with no lasting histological damage. Integrating a biodegradable nanomaterial with a clinically evaluated stimulation technology, eBBB offers a programmable, minimally invasive strategy for regional CNS drug delivery across brain malignancies and neurological disorders.”

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PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of Mito-TEMPO loaded nanoparticle treatment for COPD

 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an ongoing lung condition caused by damage to the lungs. The damage results in swelling and irritation, also called inflammation, inside the airways. Researchers at University of Newcastle used PLGA (AP041) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to generate antioxidant loaded nanoparticles for therapy of this chronic disease. Read more: Adams, Thomas J., Michael Schuliga, Su Ling Loo, Shan Mohanan, Nyoaki Pearce, Punnam C. Veerati, Andrew T. Reid, Nathan W. Bartlett, and Mingtao Liang. "A targeted antioxidant nanomedicine regulates mitochondrial ROS and antiviral immunity in rhinovirus-infected human bronchial epithelial cells." Drug Delivery and Translational Research (2026): 1-16. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13346-026-02182-x

“Mitochondrial dysfunction and altered reactive oxygen species (ROS) production contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the role of mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) in regulating cellular responses in the airway epithelium during disease exacerbations remains poorly understood. Herein, live-cell imaging was used to characterise mtROS induction in primary human bronchial epithelial cells (BECs) infected with rhinovirus (RV), a major cause of COPD exacerbations. Excessive mtROS production was observed following RV infection in BECs from donors with COPD as well as from donors without airway disease. Using a design-of-experiments (DoE) approach to optimise formulation parameters, a targeted antioxidant nanomedicine (TNM) was developed to inhibit mtROS production. TNM treatment of BECs from a donor with COPD significantly reduced RV infection- induced mtROS production. This was associated with increased expression of antiviral interferon-β (IFN-β), interferon-λ (IFN-λ2/3) and antiviral interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production was also increased, while the production of other pro-inflammatory cytokines was unaffected by TNM treatment. Together, these findings demonstrate that BEC- targeted antioxidant delivery uncovers a mechanism by which mtROS suppression can achieve innate immune modulation, representing an innovative therapeutic approach in COPD exacerbations.”

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PEG-PLA-COOH, mPEG-PLA, and mPEG-PCL from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticles for vessel size dependent transport

 

Controlling which blood-vessels nanoparticles can enter is one means to provide for a degree of control of drug delivery. Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School, McGovern Medical School (Texas), Weill Cornell Medicine(New York), and Arizona State University used PEG-PLA-COOH (AI190), mPEG-PLA (AK102), mPEG-PCL (AK111) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) as part of development of a novel technique to prepare particles of controlled size without the use of organic solvents. This research holds promise to improve development of nanoparticle based delivery systems in the future. Read more: Andreyko, Elena A., Miles Pourbaghi, Sarah E. Stabenfeldt, and Rachael W. Sirianni. "Solvent-free Nanoparticle Assembly Protocol (SNAP): one-pot formulation of drug loaded polyester nanoparticles and their vessel size-dependent perivascular transport." bioRxiv (2026): 2026-06. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.06.29.735299.abstract

“This work describes a new approach for rapid and reproducible formulation of drug loaded biodegradable nanoparticles based on polyester copolymers, including poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA-PEG) and poly(caprolactone)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PCL-PEG). The new approach, termed Solvent-free Nanoparticle Assembly Protocol (SNAP), carries several advantages over conventional polyester formulation strategies, including very rapid formulation (minutes) and the ability to use nanoparticles immediately without lengthy solvent evaporation or washing steps. Altering polyester molecular weight and concentration, alongside the introduction of specific functional groups yielded precise control of nanoparticle properties, including size, shape, surface charge, drug release and loading. We examined loading of multiple therapeutic compounds, including diclofenac, loperamide, bortezomib, CT179, panobinostat, docetaxel, methotrexate, and camptothecin. The SNAP protocol facilitated the rapid production of stable, drug-loaded nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution and generally good drug loading. Using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with a focus on the model agent Rhodamine B, we were able to carefully examine stability of the nanoparticle and assess the distribution of small molecules within the polymer as well as nanoparticle stability. In vivo evaluation of fluorescently labeled nanoparticles using real-time, intravital microscopy showed that, after direct administration to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via the intrathecal cisterna magna (IT-CM) route, the dynamic accumulation of nanoparticles within the perivascular space (PVS) depends on the size of the vessel that is imaged. Nanoparticles accumulated steadily within the PVS of large vessels, while accumulating more slowly and exhibiting clearance from medium-sized and smaller vessels over the course of several hours. In sum, these studies present a new platform for facile production of polyester nanoparticles, demonstrate their ability to encapsulate a variety of hydrophobic small molecules, and expand our knowledge on the development of nanocarriers for intrathecal administration. Taken together, these data open new opportunities for development safer and more effective nanoparticle-based therapies.”

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PLA-PEG-PLA-diacrylate from PolySciTech used in development of acid-sensitive drug delivery system

 

Most disease states lead to reduced pH in the microenvironment due to increased glycolysis. Researchers at University of California, Los Angeles, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, and Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, used PLA-PEG-PLA-diacrylate (AI172) from PolySciTech division of Akina, Inc. (www.PolySciTech.com) to develop an acid sensitive capsule which is attracted to low pH in solution. This research holds promise to provide for improved drug delivery to a wide range of disease states. Read more: Cao, Zheng, Xueqing Cheng, Xiulian Lu, Qian He, Qiong Dai, Liyun Zhang, Xiang Zhang et al. "Universal diseased-site targeting via glycolysis-driven lactic acid gradient." Science Advances 12, no. 25 (2026): eaeb4570. https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/sciadv.aeb4570

“Targeted delivery of protein therapeutics remains challenging for translating biologics into effective treatments. Here, we introduce a universal strategy leveraging elevated glycolysis, a hallmark of many pathological states, and its resulting extracellular acidification as a navigational cue. Therapeutic proteins are encapsulated within pH-responsive polymer shells that remain near-neutral at physiological pH but gradually gain positive charge under acidic conditions. This dynamic charge modulation allows nanocapsules to sense pH gradients between healthy and diseased tissues, directing them toward pathological sites. Unlike receptor-mediated targeting that operates over nanometer scales, this receptor-independent approach enables long-range targeting. In vivo models of cancer, chronic inflammation, and acute injury demonstrate selective accumulation of encapsulated proteins at diseased sites, enhancing therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. By transforming a ubiquitous metabolic signature into a directional driving force, this lactate acid gradient–mediated targeting (LaGET) platform offers a previously underexplored paradigm for targeted delivery of protein therapeutics.”

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Meet representatives of Akina, Inc. at Poster #416 at the 2026 CRS Annual meeting