ibs.GRANADA researchers develop a nanodrug against pancreatic cancer

A multidisciplinary team from the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada (ibs.GRANADA) and the University of Granada (UGR) has developed biocompatible nanoparticles (NPs) that are capable of adsorbing the drug Olaparib (OLA) on their surface, a drug indicated for the treatment of different cancers such as prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast or ovarian cancer; and ascorbic acid (AA).

These nanoformulations have proven to be useful for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by presenting greater effectiveness compared to free Olaparib in both in vitro and in vivo trials where the survival of the mice is greater.

In addition, it improves availability of the antitumor agent by being attached to the NPs, so that it is released slowly, increasing its bioavailability, thus improving the effectiveness and efficiency of treatment with this drug and an increase in survival has been observed compared to treatment with free Olaparib.

Ascorbic acid is an enhancer of the effect of the drug Olaparib, but its degradation is very rapid (12 hours). The nanoparticles developed increase the stability of both compounds, delaying their degradation for up to 60 hours and ensuring the synergistic effect for up to 72 hours. Furthermore, the dissolution of the nanoparticles simultaneously releases Ca2+ and Olaparib in a slow and gradual manner, which enhances the antitumor effects associated with the drug.

In the experimental trials, the growth of the pancreatic cancer cell lines Panc50, PANC-56 and MIA PaCa-28 was reduced by 02, 1 and 2%, respectively, with the nanoformulation. Also, it enhanced the inhibition of the migration process in all cell lines tested compared to free Olaparib. In the PANC-1 cell line, cell death by apoptosis was increased by 86,05% compared to 19.84% when using Olaparib alone. These results were corroborated in trials in vivo with NOD-SCID (Nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency) mice with induced PANC-1 tumors, in which it was observed that the nanoformulation reduced tumor volume to a greater extent (59,1%) than free Olaparib (28,3% ) and increased the survival rate of mice by 78% compared to treatment with free OLA (44%).

UGR-Cellbitec collaboration

The company cellbite, Group Beyond Seeds, and the UGR have been working together since 2018 with several public-private collaboration projects with the aim of finding new molecules of plant origin with activity against the development of cancer. Cellbitec licenses the patent developed by the University of Granada on the use of biocompatible nanoparticles based on amorphous calcium phosphate as nanocarriers of antitumor agents to improve the effects of drugs for the treatment of cancer. Currently, the collaboration between the UGR and the Beyond Seeds group focuses on two lines of research: one focused on the valorization of waste derived from fruit and vegetable crops by obtaining nutraceuticals active in colon cancer and metabolic syndrome to identify bioactive compounds in byproducts of the agri-food industry, and another with the aim of continuing to validate in preclinical research a nanodrug composed of bioactive molecules identified in extracts of Euphorbia lathyrix as a new selective therapy for colorectal cancer promoted by the Carlos III Health Institute and the Center for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI). In addition, it promotes the training of different professional profiles with a Torres Quevedo program and two Industrial Doctorates.

Research at the Biosanitary Research Institute of Granada and the University of Granada

This research has been developed by the research groups “Technology Applied to Oncology and Gene Therapy” (CTS-107 – A01 Ibs.GRANADA) and Bionanomet (FQM-368). The Technology Applied to Oncology and Gene Therapy group, led by Drs. José Carlos Prados and Consolación Melguizo, has been consolidated over recent years thanks to numerous competitive research projects and collaboration with companies that have given rise to numerous patents in the field of Biomedicine. Its objective in recent years has focused on the development of new strategies for the treatment of cancer, among which, on the one hand, the use of new nanotechnological systems that can be specifically directed towards tumor cells and/or towards cancer stem cells, and, on the other, to the determination of new molecules/extracts of plant origin with therapeutic or preventive capacity against cancer. In addition, this group develops new diagnostic systems for the detection of cancer based on the determination of gene, protein and metabolomic markers.

For its part, the research team led by Dr. José M. Delgado López, from the Department of Inorganic Chemistry, is dedicated to nanomaterial engineering with the aim of developing new targeted therapies against cancer. Specifically, they attach drugs for clinical use to the surface of biomimetic nanoparticles (imitating the nanocrystals of our bones) that are completely harmless and serve as nano-vehicles. These degrade at slightly acidic pHs (such as that of the tumor microenvironment), gradually releasing the load, which results in a more efficient treatment and a reduction in the side effects associated with the drug. Likewise, they prepare multifunctional nanoparticles for various applications, such as multifunctional nanomaterials that nourish and improve the health of crops in a more sustainable way, reducing the use of agrochemicals that are harmful to the environment.

Both groups combine multidisciplinary and transversal research with intense valorization activity aimed at transferring their technology and facilitating its reaching the market and contributing to society's current challenges.

Cellbitec and the Beyond Seeds group

Cellbitec is a company that works on the research and development of patented phytochemical compounds, from plant extracts, for their conversion to biopharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals on a commercial scale, in order to offer solutions to important needs in the fields of health and nutrition. .

Beyond Seeds is not just a good slogan, it is a way of understanding research and innovation, focusing on something simple and at the same time magical. It is the leitmotif pursued by a group of biotechnology companies dedicated to scientific research in the field of life sciences: Agrointec, Bullsoft, Nanointec, Seeds4i, Microbius y Cellbitec.

The specialization of products and services offered by Beyond Seeds, supported by the cutting-edge techniques and technology it has in its facilities, and articulated through its expert human team, place it in a privileged position that goes 'beyond seeds'. '.