Invention:
This invention is a scaffold molecule and a method for using the molecule to deliver active drug molecules to targets in the body. The sucrose-derived scaffold molecule delivers the drug to target sites and releases the drug molecules based on environmental factors, which improves efficacy and reduces side effects.
Background:
Throughout their research, the inventors conducted two experiments. The first describes 5-aminosalicylic acid delivery to the GI tract using a sucrose-derived scaffold molecule. The second describes the same scaffold molecule as a carrier for a contrast agent to be used in MRIs. Both of these experiments were carried out in mice and performed better (fewer side effects, higher contrast) than common agents for the same tasks.
Applications:
- Improvement of treatment effects across a broad range of drugs and targets
- Reduction of side effects across a broad range of drugs and targets
Advantages:
- Both the active drug molecules and target-sensing groups on the scaffold complex can be replaced to better suit the needs of each new drug
- Greater drug availability at the target site in the body
- Fewer and less severe side effects while improving efficacy
- Derived from a common sugar
- Modular with respect to drug and target
