Columbia Technology Ventures

Device for intranasal delivery of neuroprotective fatty acids

This technology is a device for intranasal delivery of polyunsaturated fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Unmet Need: Highly bioavailable polyunsaturated fatty acids for neuroprotection

Polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential for healthy brain development and function. These lipids also modulate the metabolism of amyloidogenic proteins, thereby reducing the formation of amyloid deposits that lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). Due to their limited bioavailability, current methods such as increasing oral intake, are unable to achieve the desired neuroprotective effect.

The Technology: Intranasal delivery of polyunsaturated fatty acids for treating neurodegeneration

This technology describes a device for the intranasal delivery of neuroprotective lipids for enhanced brain penetration. Using this device, the lipid formulations can be conveniently self-administered for increased patient adherence. Therefore, by providing a means of bypassing first-pass metabolism and the blood-brain barrier, accurate and efficient supplementation of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids such as DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid can be achieved for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Intranasal administration of DHA-containing lipids in mice has demonstrated an improvement in AD-related behavior.

Applications:

  • Prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases associated with amyloid plaques (AD, PD, dementia with Lewy bodies, and multiple system atrophy)
  • Amelioration of neurological symptoms in Down syndrome
  • Treatment of Niemann-Pick Type C disease
  • Supplementation of polyunsaturated fatty acids during pregnancy and infancy for healthy brain development

Advantages:

  • Enhances bioavailability of polyunsaturated fatty acids for effective supplementation
  • Allows for convenient and accurate dosing
  • Easy to use

Lead Inventor:

Laura McIntire, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (WO/2017/041037)

Patent Pending (US 20170354669)

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU17246, CU17039, CU16216, CU16172, CU16001

  • Licensing Contact: Jerry Kokoshka