Overview

With their high molecular weight and susceptibility to degradation by both enzymes and extreme pH values, proteins such as antibodies usually display poor absorption across epithelial membranes and low oral bioavailability. We have invented pharmaceutical compositions that contain micronized antibodies encapsulated and/or dispersed in polymeric particles for delivery. Formulated for oral, subcutaneous, percutaneous, or mucosal administration, they can be used to treat a variety of diseases, disorders, and/or conditions, including autoimmune disorders and gastrointestinal cancers.

Market Opportunity

Polymeric microparticles and nanoparticle systems have great potential for drug delivery systems due to their ability to shield active agents from external solvents and degradants. Their ability to protect active agents from the harsh gastrointestinal tract makes them especially useful for oral drug delivery. Due to their high molecular weight and susceptibility to degradation by both enzymes and extreme pH values, however, proteins such as antibodies usually display poor absorption across epithelial membranes and low oral bioavailability. In addition, certain particle sizes, types of polymers, and antibody-stabilizing excipients lead to undesirable initial burst release. Thus, there is a need for improved pharmaceutical compositions for the delivery of antibody-based therapies.

Innovation and Meaningful Advantages

We have invented pharmaceutical compositions of microparticles and nanoparticles that contain micronized antibodies encapsulated and/or dispersed in polymeric particles for delivery. These pharmaceutical compositions, which typically contain one or more biodegradable polyesters, can be used for drug delivery applications in which one or more encapsulated active agents are released over time as the polymer degrades. Our pharmaceutical compositions may also contain one or more bioadhesive polymers or coating of bioadhesive polymers. Formulated for oral, subcutaneous, percutaneous, or mucosal administration, they can be used to treat a variety of diseases, disorders and/or conditions, including autoimmune disorders (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and psoriasis), as well as gastrointestinal cancers. They display minimal or no initial burst release and typically increase the in vivo bioavailability or bioactivity of the antibody.

Collaboration Opportunity

We are interested in exploring 1) research collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies to develop this method of drug delivery; and 2) licensing opportunities with pharmaceutical companies.

Principal Investigator

Edith Mathiowitz, PhD

Professor of Medical Science

Professor of Engineering

Brown University

edith_mathiowitz@brown.edu 

https://vivo.brown.edu/display/emathiow 

IP Information

US Provisional Application 63/378,318, Filed October 4, 2022 

Publications

Reineke JJ, Cho DY, Dingle Y-T, Mathiowitz E. Unique insights into the intestinal absorption, transit, and subsequent biodistribution of polymer-derived microspheres. Applied Biological Sciences 2013 Aug 6;110(34):13803-13808. doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1305882110.

Contact

Andrew Bond, PhD

Senior Director of Business Development

andrew_bond@brown.edu

Brown Tech ID 3164