Ultrasound-mediated Targeted Drug Delivery in the Gastrointestinal Tract
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Glasgow
Department Name: College of Science and Engineering
Abstract
- The context of the research
Ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery has been a subject of significant research interest for some time. However, to apply it transorally to the gut requires technology that does not yet exist. This studentship is linked with the EPSRC-funded Sonopill programme as way to gain access to such technology and to provide an outlet for its application.
- Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact
The potential impact of the research is very high as it may allow transoral delivery of substances that have previously been impossible.
- Aims and objectives
The aim of the research is to explore the extent to which ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery may be combined with capsule technology and relevant drugs to provide a new treatment pathway.
- Novelty of the research methodology
The novelty of the research lies in the possibility for drug delivery via a previously impossible route.
- Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
The research lies within the EPSRC's Healthcare Technologies theme, specifically aligning with medicines and the clinical technologies in digital health technologies and therapeutic technologies.
- Its potential applications and benefits
The potential application is in the delivery of drugs that could not otherwise follow the transoral route. The benefit is that these drugs may have increased efficacy by this route.
- Any companies or collaborators involved
The project involves the University of Glasgow, the Univeristy of Dundee, King's College London, and Diagnostic Sonar Ltd.
Ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery has been a subject of significant research interest for some time. However, to apply it transorally to the gut requires technology that does not yet exist. This studentship is linked with the EPSRC-funded Sonopill programme as way to gain access to such technology and to provide an outlet for its application.
- Brief description of the context of the research including potential impact
The potential impact of the research is very high as it may allow transoral delivery of substances that have previously been impossible.
- Aims and objectives
The aim of the research is to explore the extent to which ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery may be combined with capsule technology and relevant drugs to provide a new treatment pathway.
- Novelty of the research methodology
The novelty of the research lies in the possibility for drug delivery via a previously impossible route.
- Alignment to EPSRC's strategies and research areas
The research lies within the EPSRC's Healthcare Technologies theme, specifically aligning with medicines and the clinical technologies in digital health technologies and therapeutic technologies.
- Its potential applications and benefits
The potential application is in the delivery of drugs that could not otherwise follow the transoral route. The benefit is that these drugs may have increased efficacy by this route.
- Any companies or collaborators involved
The project involves the University of Glasgow, the Univeristy of Dundee, King's College London, and Diagnostic Sonar Ltd.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Sandy Cochran (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Mihnea Turcanu (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M017079/1 | 26/09/2016 | 31/08/2021 | |||
| 1810028 | Studentship | BB/M017079/1 | 26/09/2016 | 26/08/2021 | Mihnea Turcanu |
| Description | Therapeutic ultrasound has so far been used to deliver model drugs to and through an in vitro cell layer and to the in vivo small intestine. To test delivery though the in vivo small intestine, capsules have been manufactured to test whether therapeutic ultrasound can deliver insulin though the small intestine of a live pig. The work indicates that US has potential for applications in targeted treatment of gastrointestinal disease and oral drug delivery. |
| Exploitation Route | Further validation is necessary before suggesting any further work. |
| Sectors | Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |
| Description | (AUTOCAPSULE) - Autonomous multimodal implantable endoscopic capsule for the gastrointestinal tract |
| Amount | € 3,992,860 (EUR) |
| Funding ID | 952118 |
| Organisation | European Commission |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | European Union (EU) |
| Start | 11/2020 |
| End | 10/2024 |
| Description | Capsule with Phased Array Transducer for Drug Delivery to the Porcine Intestinal Wall |
| Organisation | University of Strathclyde |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | I lead the biology/therapeutic part of the project. |
| Collaborator Contribution | The partner leads the engineering part of the project. |
| Impact | Multi-disciplinary: engineering and biology. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | Secondment at Curileum Discovery Ltd. |
| Organisation | Curileum Discovery Ltd |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | Conducted research on human and porcine intestinal organoids employed for in therapeutic ultrasound projects. |
| Collaborator Contribution | Provided the facilities and supervision. |
| Impact | Organoids offer a more reliable in vitro model for therapeutic ultrasound experiments. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Title | Capsule for drug delivery in the small intestine |
| Description | A capsule that can deliver any drug to the small intestine. Currently preparing to test it in pigs. The model drug chosen was insulin. |
| Type | Therapeutic Intervention - Drug |
| Current Stage Of Development | Refinement. Non-clinical |
| Year Development Stage Completed | 2020 |
| Development Status | Under active development/distribution |
| Impact | Components have been miniaturised to fit into a capsule. Capsules have been manufactured. If insulin can be successfully delivered via this method, it may be possible to deliver orally many hard-to-deliver drugs in the future. |
| Description | Science Centre exhibit |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Schools |
| Results and Impact | Many local schools attended Meet the Scientists at the Science Centre. Many pupils approached the stand to watch the demonstrations and ask questions, which got them excited about pursuing a career in science. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |