Novel Technology Developed at UIC Aims to Reduce Progression of Multiple Sclerosis
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Dr. Zongmin Zhao, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the Retzky College of Pharmacy, and PhD student Luyu Zhang, have developed a novel approach to reducing the progression of multiple sclerosis. Current therapeutics often involve delivering anti-inflammatory drugs to the central nervous system through the brain, but the blood-brain barrier can block many drugs from entering the brain at all.
This new technology involves attaching ‘nanopacks’ of the anti-inflammatory drug rapamycin to myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). The nanopacks boost the activity of the MDSCs, enhancing their ability to find and suppress inflammation in the central nervous system, a key factor in multiple sclerosis. In the lab, the technology reduced progression of the disease and improved motor function. The nanopacks may also be used in the treatment of heart disease or arthritis.