Description

This research group from North of Italy invented nanocomposite systems based on gold nanoparticles coated with creatine, an modified amino acid and human serum albumin able to cross the blood barrier in therapeutically relevant concentrations as potential drug for stroke to prevent oxygendeficiency induced neurodegeneration.

With this invention, it is possible to produce small nanoparticles coated in a single step reactions with high concentrations of creatine. The albumin serves in the hybrid system two purposes: it sponges up the creatine from the solution and immobilizes it to the surface and it facilitates the passage of an even intact blood brain barrier. All compounds are non-toxic and FDA-approved or blood-derived.

Innovations and advantages of the offer

Biological studies demonstrate that the nanoparticles are binding high concentrations of creatine. Creatine is described in literature to reduce the hypoxia induced apoptosis of neurons after stroke. As stroke is a third leading cause in adults for disability or mortality in the developed world the limitation of neurological damages after a stroke can have severe consequences for the outcome and the life-quality of stroke patients. The coated particles show no toxicity and animals treated with the potential drug showed no sign of brain damage or any adverse effects. In animal models with an intact blood brain barrier, the main obstacle in delivery of sufficient drug concentrations to the brain, it was shown that the particles accumulate in the brain. In animals with a blood brain barrier with higher permeability in the affected area we expect the drug penetration to be even higher. The efficacy in diseased animals (stroke model) has to be studied. In order to develop a drug from the invention a study about pharmacokinetics, particle clearance and toxicity has to follow in animals. For the upscaling to industrial quantities a new technique has to be developed.

Current Stage of Development

Development phase - Laboratory tested

Collaboration Type

License Agreement

Comments

• Type of partner sought: research groups and industry.
• Specific area of activity of the partner: organizations or individuals involved in the biotech/pharma industry with a specific focus on nanotechnology and genetic engineering for therapeutic, diagnostic and theranostic applications.
• Task to be performed by the partner sought: buyers of the technology or potential licensees.

Ref: 12 IT 56Z6 3NWE