University of Pennsylvania researchers develop unique nanoparticles to deliver directly to melanoma.

Professor Gavin Robertson says: “Our drug is packaged in a lipid ball that is smaller than the width of a hair.. This makes it blood soluble and prevents negative side effects.. The round nanoparticle containing the drug travels in the blood to the tumor, where it accumulates and releases the drug, killing the cancer cells.”.

The basis for the new drug is leelamine, a substance derived from pine bark in previous studies.. But it cannot be administered intravenously, because it causes damage to red blood cells and through the mouth, due to poor absorption in the gastrointestinal tract..

The Robertson team has created new nanoliposome, which is placed in leelamine. Thanks to the shell, the drug can be administered intravenously, without damaging red blood cells..

The drug accumulates in the tumor due to the small particle size and releases the agent that kills the melanoma cells. Scientists have tested the novelty on tumors in mice. After intravenous administration, Leelamine inhibited tumor development in mice without significant side effects..

global science. en.