Unmet Need
The current global market for respiratory drugs is expected to increase from $30.9 billion in 2016 to $41.3 billion in 2023. While many aerosol therapeutics are used to treat lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis, administration of drugs selectively to the lungs remains challenging. The nature of the lung anatomy and limitations to aerosol-based drug administration can cause premature degradation of the compounds and reduced delivery to target sites such as peripheral airways, leading to decreased therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, these drug administrations can lead to complications. Thus, there is a need for a method that increases the efficacy and safety of inhalation-based lung disease treatments.
Technology Overview
Johns Hopkins researchers have created a technology that consists of therapeutic self-assembling molecules that are able to form supramolecular structures of various shape and sizes in aqueous solutions. These formulations function to increase retention time in the lungs, improve therapeutic efficacy, and improve the quality of life of recipients. Additionally, these self-assembling molecules can be either loaded with therapeutics within their hydrophobic core during encapsulation or can be directly conjugated to an effector in the case of hydrophobic drugs or imaging reagents. The supramolecular formulations developed are superior replacements for current-free drug inhalation-based formulations to treat long disease as they remain stabilized within aerosol droplets and travel via inhalation into the regions of the lungs where they can deposit onto lung tissue.
Stage of Development
In vitro testing of the formulations has been completed and in vivo assessment of the platform against relevant lung diseases is ongoing.
IP Status: Pending
