This technology is a novel lung-targeting britannin-lipid nanoparticle formulation designed to effectively treat acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by inhibiting lung inflammation.
Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are severe lung conditions characterized by intense inflammation and respiratory failure, for which there are currently no approved drug treatments. The absence of effective therapies creates an urgent need for innovative approaches to reduce lung inflammation and improve patient outcomes. Researchers led by Yamin Li identified britannin, a natural compound with pleiotropic immunomodulatory properties, as a promising candidate to address this therapeutic gap. Leveraging lipid nanoparticles to deliver britannin specifically to lung tissue was explored as a means to enhance drug efficacy and minimize potential systemic toxicity.
Technology Overview: This invention introduces a lung-targeted delivery system composed of britannin encapsulated within lipid nanoparticles. Britannin functions as a pleiotropic immunomodulating agent via inhibiting NF-kB/MAPK/Nrf2/NLRP3 signaling pathways that are driving lung inflammation during ALI and ARDS. By formulating britannin in lung-targeting lipid nanoparticles, the technology ensures that the compound is selectively and efficiently delivered to lung tissues, maximizing its anti-inflammatory effects while minimizing systemic exposure. The lipid nanoparticles are engineered for optimal stability, biocompatibility, and targeting capability, thus enhancing the drug's therapeutic potential compared to free britannin or non-targeted formulations. Preclinical studies using a mouse model of acute lung injury have demonstrated the efficacy of this formulation in reducing lung inflammation and injury markers. This targeted approach holds significant promise as the first approved therapeutic strategy for these critical lung diseases. Additionally, the nanoparticle platform can be adapted for delivery of other therapeutic agents, highlighting its versatility. The innovation is protected under a utility patent application and supported by NIH funding focused on sulfonium lipid nanoparticle platforms, emphasizing its scientific novelty and translational potential.
https://suny.technologypublisher.com/files/sites/adobestock_540745013.jpeg Photo for reference only, not a depiction of the invention.
Advantages: • Targeted Delivery: Precisely directs britannin to lung tissue, improving therapeutic effects and reducing side effects. • Effective Inflammation Inhibition: Utilizes britannin's pleiotropic immunomodulation properties to directly address the inflammatory cause of ALI and ARDS. • Novel Nanoparticle Platform: Employs a stable and biocompatible lipid nanoparticle system optimized for pulmonary delivery. • Preclinical Validation: Demonstrated efficacy in relevant animal models, supporting its potential clinical utility. • Versatility: The nanoparticle system can potentially be adapted for other lung-targeted therapies. • Addresses Unmet Medical Need: Provides a pioneering treatment option where none currently exist for ALI and ARDS.
Applications: • Treatment of acute lung injury (ALI) to reduce inflammation and tissue damage. • Therapeutic intervention for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in critical care settings. • Potential platform for targeted delivery of other anti-inflammatory or therapeutic agents to the lung. • Research tool for studying lung-targeted drug delivery and inflammation inhibition mechanisms.
Intellectual Property Summary: Patent application filed
Stage of Development: This technology is at a TRL 4–5, with validation achieved through preclinical in vivo studies demonstrating efficacy in a mouse model of acute lung injury.
Licensing Status: This technology is available for licensing.