Degradable Polymer Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery in Treating Traumatic Brain Injury

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) for sustained drug delivery in the treatment of traumatic brain injury (TBI). To achieve this goal, PSI is collaborating with Yale University and working with Dr. W. Mark Saltzman, a leading expert in biocompatible polymeric materials for controlled drug delivery. Dr. Andrew Isaacson, a trauma and acute care surgeon and U.S. Army Reserve Medical Corps Major, will provide clinical consultancy. During Phase I, we will develop polymeric NPs capable of encapsulating neuroprotective drugs for extended release over 7 days, optimizing uptake by targeted brain cells while minimizing adverse toxicity. As a proof-of-concept, dexamethasone, known for its neuroprotective effects in treating TBI by reducing inflammation, will be encapsulated in NPs, which will be lyophilized for long-term stability and administered intranasally for direct delivery to the brain via the olfactory pathway. In vitro assays will evaluate drug encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics across a range of drug concentrations, cytotoxicity, and NP uptake by specific brain cell types. Additionally, PSI and Yale University will initiate identification of a commercialization and technology transfer partner to license the technology, with a focus on developing polymeric NPs for extended drug release in the treatment of TBI.