Mercer University KOL in Nanotech Receives NIH Grant to Investigate Efficacy of Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Oxytocin to Reduce Impact of Seizures

2021-05-17
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Mercer University KOL in Nanotech Receives NIH Grant to Investigate Efficacy of Nanoparticle-Encapsulated Oxytocin to Reduce Impact of Seizures

Scientists determine whether oxytocin-encapsulated nanoparticles targeting the brain can help reduce seizures and improve behavioral deficits in childhood epilepsy.

Most anti-epileptic drugs do not adequately treat severe seizures and behavior deficits and come with a host of side effects. More effective, longer-lasting treatments are needed. Previous research has shown neuropeptides can control seizures and improve behavioral abnormalities but that they do not easily cross the blood brain barrier. Enter researchers at Emory University, led by College of Pharmacy Professor Martin D’Souza, who were just awarded a  five-year, $284,000 out of a $2.4m R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as he and team determine whether oxytocin-encapsulated nanoparticles targeting the brain can help reduce seizures and improve behavioral deficits in childhood epilepsy. 

Most anti-epileptic drugs do not adequately treat severe seizures and behavior deficits and come with a host of side effects. More effective, longer lasting treatments are needed. Previous research has shown neuropeptides can control seizures and improve behavioral abnormalities but that they do not easily cross the blood brain barrier.

Key Opinion Leader in Nanotech & Health

Dr. D’Souza is a nationally known expert in nanotechnology whose laboratory focuses on the design of novel patented technologies to deliver nano vaccines via oral-, buccal-, parenteral- and microneedle-based transdermal routes. He has developed two potential dry particulate vaccines, one for gonorrhea and another for ovarian cancer, which will be the first ovarian cancer vaccine to reach clinical trials.

This new study will look at whether nanoparticle-encapsulated oxytocin can address seizures and behavioral deficits in mouse models of severe childhood epilepsy caused by mutations in two sodium channels.

“Our long-term goals are to better understand the mechanisms by which neuropeptides regulate neuronal excitability and to develop safe and effective approaches for the brain delivery of neuropeptides for the treatment of epilepsy,” Dr. D’Souza said.

Read the original article on Trial Site News.

 

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