Targeted Nanoparticles Conjugated to Chelators as Imaging Agents and for Improved Targeting in Chelation Therapy

Excessive iron stored in the body is a powerful catalyst for the generation of highly toxic free radicals that can damage all molecular classes found in vivo. The progression of many diseases such as atherosclerosis, cancer, diabetes, and neurogeneration disorders can be arrested by depleting the excessive iron. The invention uses nanoparticle-conjugated chelators that are delivered to diseased organs to sequester or deplete iron. The conjugated nanoparticles can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable depending on the targeted organ. The targeting capabilities of the system can be further optimized by changing the surface properties of the nanoparticles--by coating surfactants, adding functional groups or linking antibodies. The technology can also be used in radiation therapy and diagnosis. The nanoparticle/chelator system can bind to metals and can serve as imaging agents or pharmaceuticals.

Benefits
Chelators used in therapy have some drawbacks: lack of the ability to target diseased organs, toxicity, etc. This technology greatly increases the targeting capabilities of chelators. The nanoparticle/chelator system can be used as therapeutics against iron overload disease and diseases related to oxidative stress. Metal radioisotopes linked to the system can serve as pharmaceuticals for radiation therapy. The nanoparticles can also be used to deliver therapeutics like estrogen for treating hormone deficient diseases.

Stage of Development
Utility patent application number US 2006/030619 A1 has been filed for this technology.

The technology is available for developmental research support and licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms

Inventor(s): Ping Men, Gang Liu

Type of Offer: Licensing



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