Lymphatic targeted nanotechnology-based drug delivery system for the treatment of leishmaniasis

• Grant number: 18/22521-6
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: March 01, 2019
• End date: February 29, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Agreement: University of Bath
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Nádia Araci Bou-Chacra
• Grantee: Nádia Araci Bou-Chacra
• Principal researcher abroad: Dr Nikoletta Fotaki
• Institution abroad: University of Bath , England
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo
• Associated research grant: 17/08332-3 - NANOSTRUCTURED SYSTEMS WITH POTENTIAL APPLICATION IN TREATMENT OF NEGLECTED DISEASES, AP.R

Abstract

Among the neglected diseases, leishmaniasis ranks second in mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 300,000 cases of visceral leishmaniasis and over 20,000 deaths annually. Among those affected by visceral leishmaniasis, most of the patients are children under 10 years old. The nanostructured systems have the potential to deliver the drug in a specific target as well as to modify/control the release of the drug substance. These characteristics can improve its therapeutic efficacy and the safety. The aim of this study consists of developing nanotherapy target the lymphatic system for the treatment of leishmaniasis. The activities that will benefit from the exchange are: the development, optimization, validation and analytical methods for the quantitation of the NFOH in the nanostructured systems; the elucidation of possible drug substance-excipient and excipient-excipient interactions in addition to the purity of the drug substance using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA); the development of in vitro release methodology for the assessment of the nanostructured systems and mechanistic understanding of their release performance, its surface morphology and the encapsulation efficiency; the evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo leishmanicidal activity of the nanostructured system containing NFOH. The exchange activities will also benefit two graduate students, which are conducting researches in leishmaniasis field. These students will be candidates for exchange activities at University of Bath under Dr. Fotaki's supervision. They will apply for FAPESP scholarship during the exchange activities. Referring to the academic gains, it is expected a joint publication in journal of high impact factor; technology transfer from USP to UB and from UB to USP; consolidation of the international cooperation between the Institutions and a patent of invention. (AU)