ENABLING TECHNOLOGIES: NANO-BASED THERAPEUTICS FOR CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE, ONCOLOGY AND THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM

摘要

We have developed nano-based therapeutics with applications for treating cardiovascular disease, central nervous system disease, and cancer. A unique feature of our therapeutic platform is the ultrasound-mediated activation of drug-loaded, targeted nanobubbles for localized therapy. Because the nanobubble-containing therapeutics can be manipulated by regional ultrasound insonation, this technology affords a new dimension in targeted therapy.rnIn our first therapeutic application, we have taken advantage of ultrasound-mediated cavitation of nanobubbles to aid in the dispersion/dissolution of thrombi. We have used this paradigm in conducting human clinical trials to treat vascular thrombosis. Although currently unaudited, the results to date appear promising for treating thrombosed vascular grafts and deep vein thrombosis.rnAs a second approach for targeted therapeutics, we are using ultrasound to aid in the delivery of targeted therapeutic nanodroplets. Pre-clinical studies are commencing for this technology for site-specific drug and gene delivery to address areas of unmet medical need.