Targeted Drug Delivery Using Red-Blood Cells for Transport

Platform technology for targeted drug delivery using red blood cells for transport. 

Problem: 

Drug delivery can often result in up to 99% of the drug being delivered to off-target organs. This can lead to side-effects and toxicities. Current methods that bind drugs to red-blood cells for transport can require modifying the structure of the red blood cell. 

Solution: 

A platform technology for targeted drug delivery to target organs while reducing off target drug effects. This platform technology can be used with a variety of small molecule drugs required for treating organ sites without modifying the structure of the red blood cell. 

Technology Overview: 

Liposomes have been engineered to display antibodies that target red-blood cells and specific organ-sites, allowing for dual targeting. The liposomes can be loaded with a variety of small molecule drugs. Binding the liposome loaded with the drug molecule to red blood cells allows for leveraging red blood cells as drug shuttles and carriers.

Advantages: 

• 2x greater drug delivery to the targeted organ as compared to passive red blood cell binding
• Control of nanocarrier binding to red blood cell to reduce variability
• Utilization with a broad range of nanocarriers
• Increased plasma half-life of nanocarriers

Reference Media: 

• Ferguson, LT et al.  ACS Nano 2022 March 22 16(3):4666. 

Stage of Development: 

• In vivo proof of concept

Intellectual Property: 

• US Patent Pending

Desired Partnerships: 

• License
• Co-development 

Docket # 20-9162