Gut health plays a crucial role in overall well-being. With conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease affecting millions worldwide, innovative treatments for gut disease are paramount. However, finding effective treatments for these diseases remains a significant challenge.
Professor Mansoor Amiji, a University Distinguished Professor at Northeastern University with joint appointments in the Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, is pioneering research that could address these challenges.
His groundbreaking research focuses on developing innovative oral nucleic acid delivery systems that promise to revolutionize the treatment of diseases such as IBD and celiac disease.
Targeted Therapies for Gastrointestinal Diseases
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a complex and challenging environment for drug delivery. Current treatments often struggle to target the specific sites of inflammation or damage, leading to less effective outcomes and unwanted side effects.
The Multi-Compartmental (MCP) oral nucleic acid delivery platform developed by Professor Amiji and his lab addresses this challenge by delivering genetic medicines directly to the affected areas within the GI tract. The platform is particularly well-suited for targeting diseases of the GI tract, where oral administration is the most patient-friendly and convenient route. The platform’s ability to deliver nucleic acids directly to the GI tract holds the potential to revolutionize how these diseases are treated, leading to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life.
The MCP platform uses advanced formulations of polymers and lipids to create nanoparticles and microspheres that can deliver nucleic acids, such as mRNA, siRNA, and microRNA, precisely where they are needed. This targeted approach not only improves the effectiveness of the treatment but also minimizes potential side effects, offering a more patient-friendly solution.
From Research to Real-World Applications
One of the challenges in developing new therapies for gut health is ensuring that innovative ideas can be translated from the lab to the clinic. Professor Amiji’s partnership with Northeastern University’s Center for Research Innovation (CRI) is crucial in this process. Together, they are working to commercialize the MCP platform, bringing these groundbreaking therapies closer to those who need them most.
“Oral nucleic acid therapeutics, such as those using mRNA, have great potential to treat local diseases of the GI tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease,” said Professor Amiji. “We believe that the multicompartmental oral nucleic acid formulation that we have developed and patented will be a game changer in this field and potentially solve important delivery challenges.”
With support from CRI, Professor Amiji’s team has developed a comprehensive commercialization plan for the MCP platform. They have engaged with industry partners, recruited a pharmaceutical consultant, and are actively seeking additional funding and partnerships to bring this groundbreaking technology to market.
“The CRI has been instrumental in all of our efforts to establish a new venture and create market opportunities,” said Professor Amiji. “The CRI has also provided support for grant writing and business development, which we will leverage in the coming months as we seek partnerships around business development and investment.”
Beyond the gastrointestinal tract, the MCP platform also holds promise for targeting other difficult-to-reach areas of the body, such as the brain and tumor cells. This versatility could open up new avenues for treating a wide range of diseases, making the MCP platform a game-changer in the field of genetic medicine.
The Future of Gut Health and Genetic Medicine
As the understanding of gut health grows, so does the potential for new and effective treatments. Professor Amiji’s work on the MCP oral nucleic acid delivery platform is at the forefront of this exciting field, offering hope for better management and treatment of GI disorders. By combining cutting-edge science with a focus on real-world applications, this research is poised to make a significant impact on gut health and beyond.
By focusing on both the scientific and commercial aspects of drug delivery, Professor Amiji’s research is helping to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the clinic, paving the way for new treatments that could transform the lives of patients worldwide.
“The potential for nucleic acid therapies to solve important delivery challenges is enormous,” said Professor Amiji. “Our research underscores the importance of continued investment and collaboration in the field to fully realize this potential.”
As Professor Amiji’s lab continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in genetic medicine, the future looks bright for oral nucleic acid therapies. With ongoing support from CRI and industry partners, these innovative technologies are well on their way to becoming a reality, offering new hope for patients with gastrointestinal diseases and other challenging medical conditions.
Interested in this technology? Contact Senior Commercialization Manager, Vaibhav Saini.
Written by Elizabeth Creason