Description:
Executive Summary
This novel device combines the imaging capabilities of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) with the therapeutic effectiveness of targeted microbubbles. The result is a new paradigm for targeted drug and gene delivery that yields safer and more effective treatments. This device also enables treatment of diseases for which therapy is currently limited and not effective, such as peripheral artery disease.
Background
Traditional or systemic treatment of diseases requires dosing patients in excess of the minimum therapeutically effective dose, which can lead to unnecessary off-target effects, such as liver and kidney toxicity. Furthermore, traditional methods often rely on surrogate measures, such as a biomarker, as opposed to real-time imaging to determine effectiveness of a given targeting strategy.
The future of disease treatment lies in the promise of targeted drug and gene delivery. With these methods, only the diseased area is exposed to the therapeutic agent, minimizing patient side effects and allowing the use of more potent and effective therapies.
Invention Description
Researchers at the University of Virginia have developed a new IVUS-based drug delivery platform. The device is novel in that it enables both high- and low-frequency ultrasound, providing high-resolution imaging with combined microbubble therapy. The device is further improved by targeted, local microbubble delivery, which avoids the risks associated with systemic administration.
Initial efforts have been directed towards the delivery of an FDA-approved drug to prevent smooth muscle proliferation associated with in-stent restenosis following angioplasty and stenting. In vivo proof-of-concept studies have demonstrated targeted delivery of multiple agents to various blood vessels.
Advantages
The invention offers the following advantages:
- Non-invasive device based on proven IVUS methods
- Integrated imaging providing verification of drug delivery effectiveness and coverage
- Superior and focused vessel wall therapeutic coverage compared to drug eluting stents
- Cell-specific, molecularly targeted microbubble carriers enabling lower doses of administered doses and thus fewer side effects
Applications
The invention has applications in the following areas:
- Targeted drug delivery within the vasculature
- Treatment of in-stent restenosis
- Peripheral artery disease
