Cavities found in the structure of more
expansive, ‘fourth generation’ starburst (and larger) dendrimers, offer space for chemical
deposits, transforming the
molecule into a drug courier. Once refined, developers hope that this will facilitate more effective and targeted absorption of medicines, allowing them to be ‘smuggled’ into sensitive areas of the body. Additionally, dendrimers can
also
participate in biological monitoring, facilitating magnetic resonance imaging, fluorescence imaging and biosensing. Excitingly, dendrimers have in themselves
emerged as potent therapeutic agents, with intrinsic
anti-inflammatory properties.
Launched in January 2012, a new three year study, supported by the French national research agency (Agence Nationale De La Recherche), and based in Toulouse, aims to develop innovative molecules to combat MS using this hypothesis. The most common neurodegenerative disease amongst young adults, MS affects two million people worldwide, with some current
treatments costing $20,000
annually per patient. This research pilots techniques offering better results and, possibly, greater financial economy. The venture will focus on a particular
dendrimer variant, a phosphorous based molecule capped by Aza-BisPhosphate groups (ABP), which interacts and activates human monocytes. “We’ve been working on this particular molecule for almost ten years now” explains Professor Rémy Poupot, the Project Co-ordinator. “Now we need to promote our work, and consider its potential for technological transfer.” Prior research on mouse models indicates that dendrimers could prove useful in treating arthritis (also a chronic inflammatory disease of auto- immune origin), and a similar strategy will now be used to test their effects on MS. A critical part of
the study will examine
whether dendrimers can migrate through the Blood-Brain barrier – which separates peripheral blood and brain tissue. By acting directly on monocytes – white blood cells which comprise part of the immune system – or related cells, articles published by the team in journals such as Science Translational Medicine suggest that dendrimers may represent a novel family of immunologically active drugs. “Biological drugs target only one particular cykotine
in a chronic
inflammatory disease” elaborates Professor Poupot. “When a specific type of cytokine is blocked, the strategy becomes redundant, as another will take its place. With
www.projectsmagazine.eu.com
2D structure of lead dendrimer ABP: Core in blue, branches in black, surface groups in red
91
dendrimers, we can target cells – especially monocytes – which are directly or indirectly responsible for the synthesis of a wide variety of cykotines. Dendrimers could thus offer a much more efficient form of treatment than contemporary methods, over the long term.” Beyond its relevance for MS, Poupot believes the potential for this youthful science is vast, and reveals that other utilisations - including
“the potential effects of
dendrimers on the cellular redox metabolism” are being considered. “There are two different strands to the
research, operating in parallel,” explains the Toulouse-based Professor. These seek to chemically engineer and study the medicinal
dendrimers, and
their compatibility with animal and human subjects. “From an academic point of view, we have
to identify different
potential indicators of the molecule’s effects, with regards to inflammation and neuro-degenerative disease. From a translational point of view, once we have developed the means to follow and detect the dendrimers and their byproducts in human fluids, which involves developing an entirely new analytical method, we aim to ultimately consider the pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution of the molecule.”
“The most common neurodegenerative disease amongst young adults, MS affects two million people worldwide”
understand
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