Researchers develop non-invasive, economical treatment for neglected tropical disease that is second largest killer

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, August 16

Indian researchers have developed a non-invasive, easy to administer and cost-effective therapeutic strategy based on nano-science to counter Visceral Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical disease.

The drug, unlike present treatment methodology, can be administered orally and is said to have an efficacy of over 90 per cent.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a complex infectious disease transmitted by the bite of female sandflies. It is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions annually, making it the second most common parasitic killer after malaria.

The conventional treatment therapy of VL mainly involves painful intravenous administration, which imposes many treatment complications, including prolonged hospitalisation, high cost, and high risk of infection.

Oral drug delivery has big advantages that can help overcome these barriers. With oral routes, however, there are other challenges as more than 90 per cent of orally administered therapeutic drugs have less than two per cent bioavailability and potentially high hepatic and renal toxic side effects.

A team led by Dr Shyam Lal from the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali, has developed a smart and intelligent nano-carrier utilising the natural intrinsic Vitamin B12 pathway present in human body that can mitigate stability challenges and drug-associated toxicity.

The team critically evaluated the efficacy and properties of Vitamin B12 coated solid lipid nan-oparticles and their subsequent potential ramification in evading cyto-toxicity and escalating stability.

They conceptualised an innate immune defence mechanism to enhance the physicochemical properties of orally administered nano-particles, which can easily navigate through the gastrointestinal tract without being washed away by naturally present mucus barrier.

The team’s research minimized the drug’s gastrointestinal side effects, while the natural intrinsic Vitamin B12 pathway enhanced the oral bioavailability and anti-leishmanial therapeutic efficacy by more than 90 per cent.

Anchoring Vitamin B12 on the surface of solid lipid nano-particles augmented the stability and targeted delivery of the poorly soluble drugs and also enhanced the therapeutic efficiency with reduced risks of off-target actions.

The research showed that Vitamin B12, being an essential lifesaving micronutrient, plays a pivotal role in the body by modulating the toxic side effects associated with the most neglected tropical disease and also works as an innovative and beneficial supplement for its treatment and prevention.

It not only reduces the risk of infection but also enhances the immunity of an individual. Moreover, it also improves the bioavailability and targeted delivery by utilizing the natural intrinsic Vitamin B12 pathway present in the human body.