Novel Protein Nanoparticles 'Shape' The Future Of Disease

May 19, 2008

Researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (UNC)

have granted an exclusive license to Liquidia Technologies for a

protein particle fabrication method that could greatly expand the

reach of protein therapeutics. Proteins are large organic molecules

that perform highly specific and complex functions in the body,

making them an ideal instrument to diagnose and cure disease.

However, protein solubility, distribution, stability, and aggregation

have hampered the development of this therapeutic class.

Using a nano-fabrication process known as PRINT® (Particle

Replication in Non-Wetting Templates), the researchers formed protein

particles of pure insulin and albumin, as well as albumin particles

containing therapeutics such as siRNA and paclitaxel. These particles

are designed with a predetermined size and shape profile that may

optimize protein stability, solubility, and concentration, while

minimizing inter-particle forces that cause aggregation.

" We expect this discovery to dramatically expand the capability and

efficacy of existing protein therapeutics, " said ph DeSimone,

Liquidia founder and professor of chemistry and chemical engineering

at UNC. " Design of protein particles in such a way that affords

control over size and shape, and preserves protein biofunctionality,

has never before been accomplished. "

Unlike previous techniques, which have produced " polydisperse "

particle mixtures with sizes ranging from hundreds of nanometers to

tens of microns, the PRINT process forms particles of uniform size

and shape. Liquidia Technologies has obtained a worldwide license to

all rights for the PRINT platform and is working with partners to

design protein particle therapeutics for effective delivery to the

lung and other targets.

" This technology has the unique opportunity to overcome the

challenges associated with protein therapeutics and contribute to the

development of highly specific therapeutics for a wide range of

diseases, " says Liquidia CEO, Neal Fowler. " Having recently led a

company that specializes in developing and commercializing biologics,

I have a great appreciation and excitement for the new biotherapeutic

opportunities that the PRINT platform may enable. "

DeSimone and , a graduate student in DeSimone's lab,

led the research effort at UNC. Their work was published in the April

23 issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.

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