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Israeli ‘GPS’ nano-drug targeting inflamed cells may replace antibody treatments

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – In a development that may eventually replace antibody therapeutics for humans, Israeli scientists have produced a “GPS-guided” nanoparticle drug that can precisely target inflamed unhealthy cells in mice without affecting surrounding healthy immune cells, the Times of Israel reports. Researchers say the drug may be ready for human trials within two years.

Reviewed in the journal Nature Nanotechnology, the development of the drug involves the use of ribonucleic acid or RNA, the Times of Israel reports. Upon injection into mice, the drug was found to be as effective as standard antibody treatments in targeting inflammation.

In a statement about the research, Prof. Dan Peer, vice president for research and development at Tel Aviv University told ToI: “Instead of today’s treatments for inflammation, which are felt across the body, we’re sending ours with a GPS of its own that takes it to precisely the right cells in the body.”

“Our injection is so precise that it’s akin to a GPS that takes you not just to the right street, but to the right room in the right apartment in the right apartment building,” Peer explained. “This is research that could well pave the way for treatment of inflammation to shift from antibodies to carefully targeted and highly effective RNA therapies,” he said.

Peer’s previous innovations include RNA technology licensed by BioNTech, Pfizer’s partner in developing its coronavirus vaccine, ToI notes. According to Peer, the new drug may be able to combat diseases such as blood cancer and coronavirus, as well as all types of inflammatory illnesses.

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