Researchers at the University of Rochester in New York have engineered nanoparticles designed to deliver drugs directly to repaired tendons, enabling highly targeted therapy after surgical injury. The work is documented in the scientific journal Science Advances.
Traumatic tendon injuries are usually treated with surgical sutures. Yet healing can be hindered by scar tissue that reduces fiber mobility and impairs function, highlighting the need for therapies that guide true tissue restoration rather than scar-dominated repair.
To pinpoint the most effective timing for drug delivery during tendon healing, the researchers conducted a series of experiments using a mouse model that simulated complete tendon transection followed by surgical repair. This model allowed careful observation of how treatments influenced the recovery process at different stages of healing.
Niclosamide was selected as the therapeutic agent because it blocks the S100a4 protein, a known driver of fibrotic scar formation in multiple tissues. By reducing the activity of S100a4, the team aimed to limit scarring and promote healthier tissue structure.
In mouse studies, targeted niclosamide administration produced faster tendon recovery and yielded tissues with greater mechanical strength. The findings indicate that delivering antifibrotic cues directly to the healing site can accelerate functional restoration without compromising tissue integrity.
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to extend the approach to other injury models where scar tissue impairs function. They are exploring how this targeted drug delivery strategy might be adapted to different tissues and injury scenarios, with the goal of broadening its clinical impact.
Earlier efforts in the field include the development of precision drug delivery methods that use ultrasound to guide therapeutics to specific regions. This broader context underscores a growing emphasis on spatially controlled treatments that minimize systemic exposure while maximizing local effectiveness.