Virus-mimetic nanoparticles for diabetic nephropathy

Poor target cell specificity is currently a major shortcoming of nanoparticles. It causes significant material loss and poor availability. Designed nanoparticles that identify cells in a virus-like manner could provide a solution. The invention involves virus-mimetic nanoparticles able to transport drugs into their target kidney cells. The nanoparticles use a novel recognition process similar to virus organisms. A major limitation in treating mesangial cell-associated diseases such as IgA nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, or lupus nephritis is the poor drug availability in the glomerular mesangium; effectively delivering therapeutics via targeted nanoparticles combined with an appropriate nanoparticle target retention time to trigger relevant biological effects in the mesangium remains difficult.

The invention described here involves virus-mimetic nanoparticles that are able to transport drugs into the mesangium of the kidney. The nanoparticles use a novel sequential recognition process that is used in a similar way by viruses to recognize their target cells. In contrast to other nanomaterials, the virus-mimetic particles are able to effectively accumulate in the cells of the mesangium. Active targeting of nanoparticles with surface-bound ligands to the glomerular mesangium represents a promising strategy to improve drug availability.

In contrast to other nanomaterials, the virus-mimetic particles are able to effectively accumulate in the cells of the mesangium. By encapsulating drug candidates such as pirfenidone or cinaciguat, a rational treatment of diabetic nephropathy can be promised:

• Specific drug delivery via nanoparticles
• Virus like targeting in a two-stage process
• Dose reduction compared to free drug
• Sufficient retention time to trigger relevant biological effects

TRL 3.5