PLGA-PEG-COOH from PolySciTech used in development of nanoparticle targeted delivery system

Most medicine applied today has no specific targeting system. Both most oral formulations and free-drug injections simply flood the entire blood-stream with a medicinal molecule such that the area of action receives enough dose to be therapeutic. This can be problematic in the situation of side-effects. Use of a delivery system, however, can ensure localization of the drug to a specific area. Recently, researchers utilized PLGA-PEG-COOH (PolyVivo AI034) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to generate nanoparticles for targeted delivery of propranolol. Typically, propranolol is used to treat high blood pressure in a systemic application. However, with targeted application, it can be applied for treating hemangioma. This research holds promise to find new applications for existing medicines through targeted delivery. Read more: Guo, Xiaonan, Xiaoshuang Zhu, Jie Gao, Dakan Liu, Changxian Dong, and Xing Jin. "PLGA nanoparticles with CD133 aptamers for targeted delivery and sustained release of propranolol to hemangioma." Future Medicine (2017). https://www.futuremedicine.com/doi/abs/10.2217/nnm-2017-0130

“Aim: To develop propranolol-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticle with CD133 aptamers (PPN-CD133) to treat infantile hemangioma. Materials & methods: The antihemangioma activity and mechanism of PPN-CD133 were evaluated. Results & conclusion: PPN-CD133 are of desired size (143.7 nm), drug encapsulation efficiency (51.8%) and sustained drug release for 8 days. PPN-CD133 could effectively bind to CD133+ hemangioma stem cells, resulting in enhanced cytotoxic effect and reduced expression of angiogenesis factors in hemangioma stem cells. The therapeutic effect of PPN-CD133 in hemangioma was superior to that of untargeted PPN and propranolol in vivo, as reflected by reduced hemangioma volume, weight and microvessel density. PPN-CD133 represents a very promising approach to locally and efficiently deliver propranolol leading to significant inhibition of infantile hemangioma. Keywords: aptamer, biomaterials, cell biology, controlled release, nanoparticles, remove.”