A Novel Encochleated Formulation Improves Atovaquone Activity in a Murine Model of Pneumocystis Pneumonia.

Although atovaquone is effective in treating and preventing Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP), its use is limited by nonlinear absorption and adverse events. The current study was undertaken to examine the activity of encochleated atovaquone (eATQ), a novel lipid-crystal nanoparticle formulation, in a mouse model of PCP. eATQ 100-200 mg was superior to commercially available atovaquone at 14 days in decreasing total Pneumocystis nuclei and asci.

Efficacy of a nanocochleate-encapsulated 3,5-diaryl-s-triazole derivative in a murine model of graft-versus-host disease.

We have previously demonstrated that the compound 3-(2-ethylphenyl)-5-(3-methoxyphenyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole exerts immunosuppressive effects in several experimental models of autoimmunity. These results were achieved by subcutaneously administering ST1959 after dissolution in an oily vehicle, because of its poor water solubility. To circumvent this problem, we sought to determine whether nanocochleate technology could be successfully exploited to deliver ST1959 and protect mice undergoing lethal acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

A novel gene delivery system for mammalian cells.

Although gene therapy holds great promise for the treatment of both acquired and genetic diseases, its development has been limited by practical considerations. Non-viral efficacy of delivery remains quite poor. We are investigating the feasibility of a novel lipid-based delivery system, cochleates, to deliver transgenes to mammalian cells.