Dundee University to lead EU project to develop novel drug delivery methods
The University of Dundee is to lead a Euro 2m four-year EU-funded project to develop methods of delivering cancer treatments using MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) and drug "nano-capsules".
The University of Dundee is to lead a Euro 2m four-year EU-funded project to develop methods of delivering cancer treatments using MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) and drug "nano-capsules".
The University will collaborate with Israeli companies InSightec and CapsuTech on the "Nanoporation" project, which will develop more efficient methods of delivering chemotherapy. These will integrate MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), focused ultrasound and potentially photonics with the delivery and activation of nano-capsules carrying anti-cancer drugs effectively to target tumours.
"All of the established methods of cancer treatment have significant drawbacks, in that they cause side effects, require invasive procedures or do not deliver their therapeutic effect in an effective manner," said Professor Andreas Melzer, director of the Institute for Medical Science and Technology (IMSaT) at the University of Dundee.
"If we can combine the technologies of ultrasound, MRI and nano-capsules, as well as micro-bubbles, we will be able to release proven anti-cancer drugs in high concentration only in the area where they are required."
The treatment envisaged by the project leaders involves drugs being injected into the body in the form of tiny capsules, which are harmless until they are activated by a concentrated and focused ultrasound "blast", using devices developed in IMSaT's medical ultrasound laboratories, as well as commercial systems. The MRI scanner will be used to track the passage of the drugs, visualise the target and monitor the delivery of the drug treatment.
With the focused ultrasound concentrated on the exact position of the tumour in the body, damage to surrounding tissue is minimised and the effective delivery of the drug to the target cells is significantly increased, added Professor Melzer.
IMSaT has the multi-modality - MRI, focused ultrasound and photonics - imaging and surgical capabilities to deliver this kind of research.
InSightec and CapsuTech deal with different aspects of targeted drug discovery. InSightec is a developer of MR-guided Focused Ultrasound systems, while CapsuTech is a developer of a drug delivery platform based on targeted nano-capsules.
The project has been funded through the European Union's Framework 7 programme. It will create two new post-doctoral research positions and two new PhD positions at IMSaT.