Targeted Nanoparticles for Bruch's Membrane Calcification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate for effectively treating and preventing calcifications of Bruch's membrane and adjacent tissues, such as retinal pigment epithelium, choroid, and optic nerve head, which can lead to visual impairments and complications like angioid streaks and AMD, due to the toxicity of chelating agents like EDTA when applied directly.

Innovation Solution

A nanoparticle comprising a biodegradable material, specifically human serum albumin, with an antibody targeting components of Bruch's membrane or sub-retinal pigment epithelial deposits, and an anti-calcifying agent like DTPA or EDTA, is used to deliver the agent specifically to the calcified areas, reducing calcium deposits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If chelating agents like EDTA are applied directly to treat calcifications of Bruch's membrane, then calcium deposits are reduced, but toxicity occurs causing harmful side effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of calcification treatmentVSAvoidtoxicity of chelating agents

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a nanoparticle as an intermediary carrier to deliver the chelating agent (EDTA or DTPA) to the calcified Bruch's membrane. The nanoparticle comprises a biodegradable scaffold (human serum albumin), a targeting antibody (anti-elastin or anti-vitronectin), and the chelating agent. This intermediary system allows the toxic chelating agent to be transported safely to the target site without direct application, thereby reducing systemic toxicity while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If chelating agents are used to remove calcium deposits, then calcifications are reduced, but the treatment becomes harmful to surrounding tissues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalcium removal efficiencyVSAvoidharmful effects on adjacent tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs an antibody-conjugated nanoparticle system that provides local targeting to calcified areas of Bruch's membrane. The anti-elastin or anti-vitronectin antibody specifically binds to components of the calcified membrane, ensuring the chelating agent is delivered only to the affected site. This local quality approach concentrates the therapeutic effect at the target while minimizing exposure and harmful effects on surrounding healthy tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If direct application of anti-calcifying agents is used, then treatment is simple, but safety is compromised due to toxicity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of treatment applicationVSAvoidsafety of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nanoparticle serves as a safe intermediary that encapsulates the chelating agent, allowing for simplified intravenous or intravitreal administration while ensuring safety through targeted delivery. The biodegradable human serum albumin scaffold and targeting antibody ensure the agent reaches the correct location, maintaining both ease of operation and treatment safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The nanoparticle effectively targets and reduces calcifications in Bruch's membrane and adjacent tissues, providing a safer and more effective treatment for conditions like Pseudoxanthoma elasticum, AMD, and optic nerve head drusen, without the toxicity issues of direct chelating agent application.

Implementation Method 1

an antibody targeted to a component of a Bruch's membrane, a component of a sub-retinal pigment epithelial deposit or a component of the optic nerve head

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAntibody-antigen binding:

Implementation Method 2

an anti-calcifying agent; wherein the anti-calcifying agent is a chelator or an inorganic pyrophosphate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChelation:

Data Source

PatentUS20250325695A1Nanoparticle for use in a prophylaxis or in a treatment of a calcification of bruchs membrane and drusen

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 WESTFAELISCHE WILHELMS-UNIVERSITAET MUENSTER

AI summary

The present invention provides a method of a prophylaxis or a treatment of a pathological change of Bruch's membrane and/or an adjacent tissue, including a retinal pigment epithelium, a choroid, and an optic nerve head of an eye, e.g. a calcification of Bruch's membrane and/or the adjacent tissue, using a nanoparticle comprising a scaffold comprising a biodegradable material, an antibody targeted to a component of a Bruch's membrane, a component of a sub-retinal pigment epithelial deposit, or a component of an optic nerve head, and an anti-calcifying agent. Additionally, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising said nanoparticle and one or more pharmaceutical acceptable excipient(s). Said pharmaceutical composition could be used in a method of prophylaxis or treatment of a pathological change of Bruch's membrane and/or adjacent tissues, including a retinal pigment epithelium and a choroid of an eye and/or a calcified sub-retinal pigment epithelium deposit and/or a calcified drusen.