Researchers Advance Nanoparticle Co-Delivery of Drug Pairs
Researchers from NUST MISIS are collaborating with the AI University of Chemistry and Technology, DI Mendeleev, to improve how medications work by using nanoparticles. A biomedical nanomaterials laboratory lead at NUST MISIS, who heads the Medical Nanobiotechnologies department, describes this work. The project is connected with Russian health institutions such as the Russian National Research Medical University and NI, with Maxim Abakumov serving as a principal scientific voice guiding the effort.
The central investigation explores pairing two drugs to boost overall effectiveness. Scientists observe a common pattern: each drug by itself may have limited impact, but when combined in a precise ratio, the therapy can produce a markedly stronger therapeutic effect. The challenge lies in delivering both substances to a patient in a coordinated way, at a controlled rate. For instance, a 1 to 10 ratio may yield strong results, while a 1 to 1 proportion could underperform compared with using either drug alone. This presents a major hurdle in traditional administration, where drugs with differing properties cannot be given intravenously at the same time in the same location.
The team offers a streamlined solution. By loading both drugs into a single nanoparticle, they can be distributed to target cells at the same rate, ensuring synchronized exposure. This approach aims to harmonize the pharmacokinetics of the drugs, aligning their arrival at cellular targets and improving overall efficacy. The researchers emphasize that this method does not simply mix substances; it coordinates their delivery so the drugs work together rather than at cross purposes.
Early results come from experiments on cell cultures, where the co-encapsulation of the two drugs within nanoparticles has already shown encouraging signals. The scientists note that these findings are preliminary but promising enough to justify a broader program of testing. The next phase involves moving from benchtop studies to living systems, with carefully designed in vivo experiments to validate safety and therapeutic benefit in more complex biological models. The trajectory points toward a progression from controlled laboratory conditions to realistic biological settings, guided by rigorous monitoring and evaluation at each step.
In summary, the research outlines a path toward more precise control of drug delivery using nanoparticle carriers. By co-encapsulating multiple agents, the project seeks synchronized distribution and a stronger combined effect, potentially improving treatments for cancer and other diseases where combination therapies offer advantages. The ongoing work mirrors a larger movement in nanomedicine toward smarter, more integrated therapeutic strategies that align pharmacology with cellular biology, supported by an expanding body of experimental evidence and planned future studies. Further updates will clarify how these nanoparticle systems perform across various models and how they might influence clinical practice in the years ahead. Attribution for the reported findings goes to the researchers involved and the collaborating institutions on the project. (Citation: socialbites.ca)