Development of Polymeric Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Release of Anti-Diabetic Drugs in the Intestine

• Grant number: 25/02892-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Dayane Batista Tada
• Grantee: Larissa Yumi Pereira Otani
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/00662-2 - Polymeric nanoparticles for target delivery of drugs to renal proximal tubules, AP.R

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease characterized by insulin resistance, insufficient insulin secretion, and excessive glucose production, resulting in hyperglycemia and severe complications such as cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, and nephropathy. The global increase in T2DM prevalence has driven the development of new therapeutic approaches, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter (SGLT) inhibitors. Sotagliflozin is a type of a dual inhibitor of both SGLT1 and SGLT2, reducing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys and glucose absorption in the intestine, thereby improving glycemic control. However, its use is associated with side effects, including genital infections and diarrhea, which limit its effectiveness.This project aims to develop polymeric nanoparticles based on chitosan for the delivery of sotagliflozin with controlled and targeted release to the intestine and kidneys. Chitosan was selected due to its mucoadhesive properties, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial activity. These chitosan nanoparticles are designed to protect the drug in the acidic environment of the stomach, adhere to the intestinal mucosa, prolong release time, and reduce adverse effects such as diarrhea and urinary tract infections.The nanoparticulate system is expected to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of sotagliflozin by enabling smaller and more consistent doses while minimizing the side effects associated with free drug use.Therefore, this project represents a significant advancement in the development of innovative therapies for the treatment of T2DM and its complications. (AU)