Biguanides decorated albumin nanoparticles loading nintedanib for synergic enhanced hepatocellular carcinoma therapy

Nintedanib loaded iron (III) chelated melanin nanoparticles as an MRI-visible antifibrotic drug delivery system

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fatal, progressive lung disease characterized by extensive scarring and thickening of lung tissue that leads to respiratory failure. Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for monitoring disease progression and assessing therapeutic efficacy. While imaging modalities such as radiological X-rays and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) are commonly employed, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers significant advantages, including superior soft tissue contrast and the absence of ionizing radiation. However, in lung MRIs are hindered by short transverse relaxation times, low proton density, and motion artifacts which is addressed herein by developing theranostic platform combining MRI imaging with targeted drug delivery using melanin nanoparticles conjugated with nintedanib (MNP-NIN). Chelation with ferric ions (MNP-NIN-Fe³⁺) enhanced MRI visibility enabling non-invasive imaging and drug tracking. MNP-NIN and MNP-NIN-Fe³ ⁺ nanoparticles were built with mean diameters of 189 ± 44 nm and 182 ± 35 nm, respectively and demonstrating successful NIN conjugation. Controlled NIN release followed zero-order kinetics over 36 days. MNP conjugation reduced cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B and A549 cells improving the drug's safety. MRI experiments conducted with a 7.0 T animal scanner demonstrated enhanced imaging contrast with MNP-NIN-Fe solutions compared to saline underscoring their potential for localized visualization and tracking within lung tissues. By integrating MRI diagnostics and targeted drug delivery, the MNP-NIN-Fe³ ⁺ system offers a promising solution to overcome current challenges in IPF management. This theranostic platform addresses the limitations of conventional imaging techniques while providing an innovative strategy for reducing drug-related systemic side effects and improving therapeutic efficacy.

Advanced Delivery Strategies of Nintedanib for Lung Disorders and Beyond: A Comprehensive Review

Nintedanib, a primary treatment for lung fibrosis, has gathered substantial attention due to its multifaceted potential. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor, nintedanib, inhibits multiple signalling receptors, including endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR), and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and ultimately inhibits fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, nintedanib has been studied widely for other ailments like cancers and hepatic fibrosis, apart from lung disorders. Commercially, nintedanib is available as soft gelatin capsules for treatment against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Since it has very low oral bioavailability (4.7%), high doses of a drug, such as 100-150 mg, are administered, which can cause problems of gastrointestinal irritation and hepatotoxicity. The article begins with exploring the mechanism of action of nintedanib, elucidating its complex interactions within cellular pathways that govern fibrotic processes. It also emphasizes the pharmacokinetics of nintedanib, clinical trial insights, and the limitations of conventional formulations. The article mainly focuses on the emerging landscape of nanoparticle-based carriers such as hybrid liposome-exosome, nano liquid crystals, discoidal polymeric, and magnetic systems, offering promising avenues to optimize drug targeting, address its efficacy issues and minimise adverse effects. However, none of these delivery systems are commercialised, and further research is required to ensure safety and effectiveness in clinical settings. Yet, as research progresses, these advanced delivery systems promise to revolutionise the treatment landscape for various fibrotic disorders and cancers, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.

Indole Antitumor Agents in Nanotechnology Formulations: An Overview

The indole heterocycle represents one of the most important scaffolds in medicinal chemistry and is shared among a number of drugs clinically used in different therapeutic areas. Due to its varied biological activities, high unique chemical properties and significant pharmacological behaviors, indole derivatives have drawn considerable interest in the last decade as antitumor agents active against different types of cancers. The research of novel antiproliferative drugs endowed with enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity led to the approval by U.S. Food and Drug Administration of the indole-based anticancer agents Sunitinib, Nintedanib, Osimertinib, Panobinostat, Alectinib and Anlotinib. Additionally, new drug delivery systems have been developed to protect the active principle from degradation and to direct the drug to the specific site for clinical use, thus reducing its toxicity. In the present work is an updated review of the recently approved indole-based anti-cancer agents and the nanotechnology systems developed for their delivery.

Harnessing function of EMT in hepatocellular carcinoma: From biological view to nanotechnological standpoint

Management of cancer metastasis has been associated with remarkable reduction in progression of cancer cells and improving survival rate of patients. Since 90% of mortality are due to cancer metastasis, its suppression can improve ability in cancer fighting. The EMT has been an underlying cause in increasing cancer migration and it is followed by mesenchymal transformation of epithelial cells. HCC is the predominant kind of liver tumor threatening life of many people around the world with poor prognosis. Increasing patient prognosis can be obtained via inhibiting tumor metastasis. HCC metastasis modulation by EMT and HCC therapy by nanoparticles are discussed here. First of all, EMT happens during progression and advanced stages of HCC and therefore, its inhibition can reduce tumor malignancy. Moreover, anti-cancer compounds including all-trans retinoic acid and plumbaging, among others, have been considered as inhibitors of EMT. The EMT association with chemoresistance has been evaluated. Moreover, ZEB1/2, TGF-β, Snail and Twist are EMT modulators in HCC and enhancing cancer invasion. Therefore, EMT mechanism and related molecular mechanisms in HCC are evaluated. The treatment of HCC has not been only emphasized on targeting molecular pathways with pharmacological compounds and since drugs have low bioavailability, their targeted delivery by nanoparticles promotes HCC elimination. Moreover, nanoparticle-mediated phototherapy impairs tumorigenesis in HCC by triggering cell death. Metastasis of HCC and even EMT mechanism can be suppressed by cargo-loaded nanoparticles.

Cationically modified inhalable nintedanib niosomes: enhancing therapeutic activity against non-small-cell lung cancer

Aim: This study was designed to develop and test nintedanib-loaded niosomes as inhalable carriers for enhancing its therapeutic efficacy via localized drug accumulation and addressing issues such as low bioavailability and severe toxicity. Methods: Niosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method and were evaluated for in vitro therapeutic effectiveness in lung cancer cells. Results: The optimized niosomal formulation displayed optimized vesicle size, controlled and extended release of drug, and efficient aerodynamic properties indicating its suitability as an aerosolized formulation. In vitro studies revealed significantly superior cytotoxicity of nintedanib-loaded niosomes which was further validated by 3D spheroids. Conclusion: These findings establish the effectiveness of niosomes as inhalable delivery carriers which could serve as a promising strategy for delivery of nintedanib to treat several lung cancers.