Iranian researchers at Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences and Tarbiat Modarres University collaborated in providing better chances for the patients suffering from cystic fibrosis lung infections.
The research group managed to mount hyrdrophine drug upon lipid nanoparticels of suitable size and delivered the drug to target tissues successfully.
“Through this method, the drug accumulation in kidney, which is a major source of toxicity, is decreased and the particles stability is satisfactory at different temperatures after lyophilization,” Solmaz Qaffari, a member of the research group, told INIC.
According to Qaffari, the outcomes of the research work are as follows: preparation of inhalation dosage form of amikacin (nanoparticles), lowered toxicity of the drug in kidneys, increased pulmonary concentration of the drug, design of a more effective drug which decreases required injection times, preparation of noninvasive form of amikacin and improved chance of curing pulmonary infections like cystic fibrosis.
The researchers prepared the lipid nanoparticles from cholesterol initially. In the next step, they optimized particle size and drug loading. Particles lyophilization (a combined freezing and drying practice), optimization of the conditions, control of antimicrobial characteristics of the loaded drug (on nanoparticles) were preformed in subsequent phases. Finally, to investigate particles distribution, the drug was tested on animals.
Taking the minimal side-effects of this drug and simplicity of the production process into account, the researchers believe in a rapid and successful commercialization of the drug once being supported by the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education.
Fars News