Introduction

Object of the present invention is the development of a methodology which in a rapid and non-invasive manner favours the transmission of therapeutic and/or diagnostic compounds to the cardiac districts. This invention could be of relevance for all those different pathologies in which it is necessary to convey therapeutic or diagnostic compounds at the level of the heart and/or of the lungs.

Technical features

The main medications prescribed to cardiopathic patients are administered enterally or intravenously come with limitations: excessive bioavailability to non-target tissues (side effects), reduced absorption of the compound and in particular, discomfort for the patient when administered intravenously. This patent defines a new procedure and composition for a non-invasive, rapid and selective therapeutic and/or diagnostic treatment for the delivery of drugs which, through the inhalation (lung-heart axis) reach the heart directly. These features allow to optimize the results of the therapies and reduce the side effects on patients. By using calcium phosphate nanoparticles it is possible to directly deliver the therapeutic and diagnostic components (microRNA and peptides) to the heart district via inhalation. A non-invasive method, able to target the lung-heart region for drug delivery; relevant for all those pathologies in which it is necessary to convey therapeutic compounds to this sector of the body. The nanoparticles not only can be up-taken by a patient via inhalation, but thanks to their physicochemical characteristics they are particularity suitable for passing the alveolar-pulmonary barrier and reach the systemic circulation easily, to finally access the left atrium of the heart and deliver the therapeutics. This is because, the bioinspired nanoparticles are “attracted” to the heart through their negative Z potential, where upon reaching they will release the drug and subsequently degraded into calcium and phosphate, “natural” components of the human body.

 

Possible Applications

• Possible application to different forms of medical and diagnostic compounds;
• Tissue-specific delivery (heart but also lung) of medical or diagnostic compounds;
• Possibility of combining the nanoparticles with different types of compounds;
• Treatment of cardiological pathologies and pulmonary diseases.

Advantages

• Non-invasive application without discomfort for the patient;
• Action selectivity at cardiac level;
• Potentially reduced side effects following delivery to unwanted organs.