Antiparasitic drug repositioning for Cancer treatment using nanostructured drug delivery systems

• Grant number: 23/14870-9
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: February 01, 2024
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Mobility Program: SPRINT - Projetos de pesquisa - Mobilidade
• Principal Investigator: Nádia Araci Bou-Chacra
• Grantee: Nádia Araci Bou-Chacra
• Principal researcher abroad: Nikoletta Fotaki
• Institution abroad: University of Bath, England
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/02193-0 - Antiparasitic drug repositioning for Cancer treatment using nanostructured drug delivery systems, AP.R

Abstract

The increasing demand for new pharmaceuticals faces critical barriers to overcome. These barriers pertain to efficacy, safety, regulatory compliance, and cost-effectiveness. Despite progressive investment by companies in research, studies show that in the United States, only 0.1% of new drugs in development advance to clinical trials. Among these, only 10.0% are approved. In this context, there is an urgent need for more efficient alternatives, especially for the treatment of specific diseases, such as various types of cancer. Drug repositioning accounts for approximately 30% of new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in recent years. Flubendazole, a drug that primarily targets microtubules, has the potential to be used in various types of cancer, as does niclosamide, at nanomolar concentrations. However, their low water solubility can significantly limit their oral bioavailability. This limitation can be overcome by using nanostructured lipid drug delivery systems. This project aims to develop and characterize the physicochemical and biological properties of nanostructured lipid systems containing antiparasitic drugs for the treatment of malignant neoplasms, with the potential targeting of these drugs to the lymphatic system, overcoming the challenge of their limited oral bioavailability and first-pass hepatic metabolism. Concerning the anticipated results, the proposal will also benefit postgraduate students conducting research in the project's area. These postgraduates will be candidates for exchange activities at the University of Bath under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Fotaki. They will be eligible for FAPESP scholarships during the project's duration. In terms of academic gains, it is expected that there will be two joint publications in high-impact factor journals, a patent filing, an exchange of two postgraduate students, including a sandwich doctoral program at USP, technology transfer from USP to UB and from UB to USP, and the consolidation of international cooperation between the institutions. (AU)