TITLE: Peptide Nanofiber Assembly for Enhanced Therapeutic Delivery

NU 2020-081
 

SHORT DESCRIPTION

This technology uses self-assembling peptide amphiphile nanofibers to protect and deliver therapeutic peptides. It reduces degradation and improves delivery efficiency for advanced treatment applications.

BACKGROUND

Peptide therapeutics offer promise for various diseases but suffer from rapid enzymatic degradation and inefficient delivery. Existing methods often fail to protect these molecules during transit to target sites, creating a critical need for a more robust delivery system.

ABSTRACT

The invention co-assembles free peptides with peptide amphiphiles to form nanofibers that shield peptides from premature degradation. It integrates hydrophobic tails, beta-sheet promoting structural segments, and charged segments to enable precise non-covalent assembly. Laboratory studies have validated the system’s ability to maintain peptide integrity and enhance targeted delivery, making it applicable for both neurodegenerative therapies and viral infection treatments.

APPLICATIONS

• Peptide drug formulation: Enhances bioavailability of peptide-based therapies.
• Neurodegenerative disease therapy: Delivery of protective peptides for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
• Viral infection treatment: Inhibition of viral entry by targeting spike proteins, including SARS-CoV-2.

ADVANTAGES

• Enhanced peptide stability: Protects peptides from premature enzymatic degradation.
• Improved delivery efficiency: Ensures targeted release of therapeutic peptides.
• Versatile platform: Adaptable for multiple therapeutic applications including neurodegeneration and viral infections.
• Customizable design: Allows tailoring of peptide sequences and nanofiber properties.

IP STATUS
U.S. Patent Pending 

PUBLICATIONS

• Samuel Stupp et al., Supramolecular Copolymers of Peptides and Lipidated Peptides and Their Therapeutic Potential, Journal of the American Chemical Society, March 17, 2022

CATEGORY/INDUSTRY PIPELINE
Therapeutics; Healthcare Devices, Tools & IT

KEYWORDS
peptide amphiphile, nanofiber, peptide delivery, therapeutic peptides, nanostructure, neurodegenerative treatment, viral infection, drug delivery