Nanoparticles from Altamira may treat AAA

A recent study has revealed that Altamira Therapeutics' SemaPhore technology, when combined with superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) mRNA, effectively treated abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in a mouse model. The preclinical findings indicated a significant reduction in the dilation of the aorta, delayed rupture, and a notable improvement in survival rates compared to untreated controls in mice with AAA. These mice were treated with SOD2 mRNA delivered systemically using peptide-based nanoparticles.

Altamira's SemaPhore technology employs nanoparticles to transport mRNA, which are specific genetic instructions, into cells. These nanoparticles safeguard the mRNA as it moves through the body and facilitate its entry into target cells.

An AAA is a localized enlargement in the lower part of the aorta, the main artery that provides blood to the body. If it ruptures, it can cause life-threatening internal bleeding. SOD2 is an enzyme that mitigates harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). In cases of AAA, elevated ROS levels lead to inflammation and damage to the artery wall. Enhancing SOD2 levels could reduce ROS, potentially slowing the progression of AAA and preventing rupture.

Founded in 2003, Altamira Therapeutics is headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, with principal operations in Basel, Switzerland. The company currently has two preclinical siRNA programs utilizing its SemaPhore technology: AM-401 for KRAS-driven cancer and AM-411 for rheumatoid arthritis.

Altamira’s chief scientific officer and co-author of the study, Samuel Wicklin, commented that using SOD2 mRNA to modulate oxidative stress appears to be a promising approach for various challenging cardiovascular disorders like AAA or atherosclerosis, as well as other inflammatory or degenerative diseases where ROS is a critical factor.

Nanomedicine has garnered significant attention following the success of lipid nanoparticle-based Covid-19 vaccines. In January 2024, Roche’s Genentech partnered with biotech firm GenEdit to utilize GenEdit's non-viral delivery platform for gene editing therapies. This platform employs non-viral, non-lipid hydrophilic nanoparticles (HNPs) for targeted in vivo delivery.

Nanoparticles are not only used in drug delivery but also in diagnostics. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently developed a new lung cancer test where patients inhale nanoparticles from a nebulizer or asthma inhaler and then test their urine on a paper test strip. The research team plans to conduct clinical trials in the future.

The advancements in mRNA technology have seen significant growth, especially following the success of Covid-19 vaccines. Understanding the latest mRNA capping techniques is crucial as capping is a vital part of the manufacturing process. Pharmaceutical companies face various choices regarding the methods of capping, each differing in cost, time, complexity, and availability. TriLink’s CleanCap® approach is one such innovative method offering essential insights into efficient mRNA capping.