Brown Technology Innovations

Patents in July: Novel Materials and Methods for Drug Delivery

Last month, Brown received a US Patent (#10,722,468) for drug delivery research led by Dr. Edith Mathiowitz, Professor of Medical Science and of Engineering.

Edith Mathiowitz
Professor of Medical Science, Graduate Program Director for the Biotechnology Graduate Program, Professor of Engineering

Therapeutic drug compounds that are based on proteins or other biologics have become increasingly common and important. But the harsh conditions in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract make delivery of these drugs a challenge. As a consequence, most protein-based drugs must be delivered intravenously or subcutaneously.

This new patented invention describes new compositions of matter that stabilize proteins and bioactive agents so they can be delivered by any route of drug administration – including oral, and inhalation routes – providing new drug delivery solutions. 

The invention involves embedding bioactive agents in a new nanoparticle – a crystalline matrix. The crystalline matrix confers enhanced stability to the embedded bioactive agents making them capable of passing through the stomach without substantial degradation.