Focused ultrasound nanoparticles for targeted imaging and neuroregeneration
This technology is a non-invasive theranostic platform that uses focused ultrasound (FUS) to deliver multifunctional nanoparticles across the blood-brain barrier for the targeted diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases.
Unmet Need: Noninvasive method of targeted imaging and therapy for Alzheimer’s Disease
Current Alzheimer’s Disease diagnosis depends on amyloid-PET scans that are expensive, expose patients to ionizing radiation, and offer poor resolution for guiding targeted treatments. Disease-modifying antibodies and other large-molecule drugs that might reverse or repair the damaged neural networks do not effectively penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB), necessitating high doses that lead to off-target toxicity and limiting their therapeutic scope. A solution that can non-invasively detect pathological plaques and deliver therapy directly to affected brain regions is urgently needed to enable earlier intervention, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the efficacy and safety of biologic therapeutics for Alzheimer’s and related neurodegenerative diseases.
The Technology: Ultrasound-activated nanoparticles for targeted diagnosis and treatment across the blood-brain barrier
This technology is a theranostic platform for Alzheimer’s Disease that leverages multifunctional “nanocup” nanoparticles that serve dual roles in diagnosis and treatment. These nanocups contain a gas-filled cavity that allows them to act as contrast agents for ultrasound imaging and are coated with antibodies that target specific disease markers, such as amyloid-beta plaques. A low-pressure focused ultrasound (FUS) pulse, delivered alongside systemic microbubbles, non-invasively and temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier, enabling these targeted nanoparticles to accumulate at the pathological site. A subsequent FUS pulse then triggers the localized release of a conjugated neuroregenerative agent, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), directly to the affected neurons.
The focused ultrasound techniques for opening the blood-brain barrier have been validated by the inventors in vitro and in vivo in transgenic mouse models and in non-human primates.
Applications:
- Theranostic agent for Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurodegenerative diseases
- Diagnostic tool for anti-amyloid therapeutics
- Targeted biologic delivery platform
- Research tool for non-invasive plaque imaging in animal models
- Research tool for screening central nervous system drug candidates in animal models
Advantages:
- Combines high-contrast ultrasound imaging and localized drug delivery in a single nanoparticle
- Crosses the blood-brain barrier on demand
- Targets amyloid-β plaques with highly specific antibodies
- Reduces systemic exposure
- Operates non-invasively and without ionizing radiation
- Integrates with commercially available focused-ultrasound devices
- Can be re-functionalized for other neurodegenerative targets
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (US20230405362)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU21224
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu