Researchers at CIC biomaGUNE have developed pulmonary surfactant nanoparticles encapsulating an antifibrotic drug for treating pulmonary fibrosis.
The nanoparticles, designed to mimic natural lung surfactant, demonstrated high retention in diseased lung tissue when administered via inhalation in mouse models.
Key Details
- The study was published in Advanced Healthcare Materials by the Molecular and Functional Biomarkers group at CIC biomaGUNE.
- The synthesis method uses microfluidics for automated, reproducible production with controlled particle size and drug encapsulation.
- In mouse models, 90% of the administered nanomedicine was retained in the lungs, reducing drug accumulation in the liver compared to oral administration.
- The approach aims to reduce side effects of conventional oral antifibrotic therapies by enabling lower doses.
Background
Pulmonary fibrosis involves progressive scarring of lung tissue, impairing breathing. Risk factors include smoking, occupational dust exposure, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and viral infections like COVID-19. Current oral treatments often have adverse effects.
Statements
Dr. Susana Carregal, Ikerbasque Research Fellow and lead researcher, stated that using endogenous pulmonary surfactant improves drug distribution in the lung and that retention is very high, reducing the required dose and side effects.
The synthesis method was described as simplified and standardized, opening avenues for inhaled treatments.
Collaboration
The study was conducted with the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Complutense University of Madrid (led by Professor Jesús Pérez-Gil) and the group led by Ikerbasque Research Professor Jesús Ruiz-Cabello.