Nanoparticles are continuing to evolve in the Drug Delivery industry. Researchers are constantly creating delivery devices and developing new ways to overcome the barriers that are preventing them to reach and destroy cancer cells. This week, researchers at N.C. State and UNC-Chapel Hill may have found a new 'drug delivery vehicle' that can eventually destroy the cell using a step by step process.The first step is simply the vehicle, an acidic outer shell that's combined with a protein drug called TRAIL. The receptors on the cancer cells are tricked by the acid on the outer shell, allowing them to bind together. Once the acid is broken down by the enzymes around the cancer cell, the drug is released, and eventually kills the cell.
But the nanoparticle also packs a second deadly punch.
When its outer shell of acid and TRAIL breaks down, that reveals a core which is made of yet another cancer-fighting drug, called Dox, embedded with a material that helps the core penetrate the outer membrane of the cancer cell. Once inside, the Dox can enter the nucleus of the cell, killing it.
Researchers are hoping to test the technique on human breast cancer cells in larger animals. If their two step process proves to be successful, what other types of cancer treatment could benefit from this new device? How will this help revolutionize nanoparticles as a drug delivery system?
Want to learn more about the future of drug delivery? IIR's 18th Annual Drug Delivery Partnerships will help you form a drug delivery strategy that keeps you ahead of the market, register today! Save 15% off of the standard rate when you register using priority code XP1978BLOG. To learn more, download our agenda. We hope to see you January 27-29 in Boca Raton!
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