Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: Leti Announces Project to Create Nanotherapy Targeting Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Home > Press > Leti Announces Project to Create Nanotherapy Targeting Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract:
Leti, a technology research institute of CEA Tech, today announced a European Union project to develop a nanotherapy targeting the molecules involved in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Leti Announces Project to Create Nanotherapy Targeting Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Grenoble, France | Posted on May 11th, 2017

An estimated 3 million people in Europe, mostly adolescents and young adults, have been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases, which are chronic disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by immune reactions. Symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue and abdominal pain. In severe cases, IBD may result in bowel perforation, severe bleeding, colorectal dysplasia and cancer.

The New Deal project is exploring whether a biological therapy using an RNA interference (RNAi) mechanism and small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules can improve the therapeutic efficacy and safety of IBD treatment through the specific inhibition of two janus kinases (JAK1 and JAK3) by the means of specific siRNAs. RNAi mechanisms and siRNA have been shown to prevent the expression of targeted genes in humans. These JAKs control the signalling pathways of several cytokines and have been recently identified as potent molecular targets in IBD clinical trials. The siRNAs used in the project and orally administered are expected to allow specific targeting of the inflamed gut thanks to a combination of innovative nanostructured lipid carriers embedded in smartly designed polymer capsules developed by the New Deal consortium.

Polymer capsules will protect the siRNA nanotherapeutics along the GI tract, while lipid nanoparticles will enable them to cross mucus, the intestinal wall, the plasma membrane and other barriers of the target cells so the siRNA can be delivered locally.

Conventional IBD therapies, 5-aminosaliycilates (5-ASA) and corticosteroids, are not effective in a large proportion of patients. The emergence of biological therapy, meaning the use of therapeutic antibodies mainly targeting TNFα, still insufficiently treats a significant number of IBD patients and is associated with an increased risk of infections. The New Deal project’s treatment will consist of an oral administration of the siRNA medicine locally delivered directly to the inflamed gut.

“The New Deal concept could revolutionize IBD therapies for the great benefit of patients and European health-care systems,” said Leti’s Fabrice Navarro, coordinator of the project. “In the near future, it could strengthen the competitiveness of European biotech and medtech companies in the fields of RNAi medicines and targeted therapy through innovative delivery technologies.”

Leti researchers in the four-year, €6 million project will design nanostructured lipid carriers for the in vivo delivery of siRNA across the gut’s mucosal barrier.

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About Leti
Leti, a technology research institute at CEA Tech, is a global leader in miniaturization technologies enabling smart, energy-efficient and secure solutions for industry. Founded in 1967, Leti pioneers micro-& nanotechnologies, tailoring differentiating applicative solutions for global companies, SMEs and startups. Leti tackles critical challenges in healthcare, energy and digital migration. From sensors to data processing and computing solutions, Leti’s multidisciplinary teams deliver solid expertise, leveraging world-class pre-industrialization facilities. With a staff of more than 1,900, a portfolio of 2,700 patents, 91,500 sq. ft. of cleanroom space and a clear IP policy, the institute is based in Grenoble, France, and has offices in Silicon Valley and Tokyo. Leti has launched 60 startups and is a member of the Carnot Institutes network. This year, the institute celebrates its 50th anniversary. Follow us on www.leti-cea.com and @CEA_Leti.

CEA Tech is the technology research branch of the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA), a key player in innovative R&D, defence & security, nuclear energy, technological research for industry and fundamental science, identified by Thomson Reuters as the second most innovative research organization in the world. CEA Tech leverages a unique innovation-driven culture and unrivalled expertise to develop and disseminate new technologies for industry, helping to create high-end products and provide a competitive edge.

Follow us on www.leti.fr/en and @CEA_Leti.

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