PEG-SSRI conjugate for localized treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
This technology is a PEG-fluoxetine conjugate designed for oral delivery that enables localized intestinal drug activity for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Unmet Need: Limited gut bioavailability due to rapid systemic drug absorption
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a lifelong chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract without an effective cure. Current treatments of IBD aim to alleviate the symptoms, in which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (FLX), have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in preclinical models of IBD. However, orally administered FLX is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, limiting drug exposure in the GI tract. This compromises its therapeutic effect against IBD and raises concerns over systemic side effects in long-term use.
The Technology: PEG-FLX conjugate for localized IBD treatment
This technology is a multi-arm polyethylene glycol-fluoxetine (PEG-FLX) conjugate designed for oral delivery to enable localized therapeutic action against inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The PEG-FLX conjugate reduces serotonin uptake in intestinal cells to achieve an anti-inflammatory effect and exhibits prolonged GI retention due to its multi-arm PEG structure. By maintaining higher levels of FLX in the intestine, this conjugate has demonstrated therapeutic efficacy and alleviation of IBD symptoms in vivo.
This technology has been validated in vitro in human intestinal cells and in vivo in an IBD mouse model.
Applications:
- Localized treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Research tool for studying serotonin effects in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract
- Platform for localized drug delivery in GI diseases
- Platform for conjugation with small-molecule therapeutics
Advantages:
- Reduces systemic side effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Enables localized therapeutic action in the GI tract
- Enhances mucosal retention and local drug concentration
- Supports convenient oral administration
- Demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in alleviating IBD symptoms
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU25441
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu