Researchers Create Nanoparticle for Treating Kidney Disease

Dr. Rex Mahnensmith serves as an internal medicine physician at the StayWell Health Center in Waterbury, Connecticut. Dr. Rex Mahnensmith comes to this position as the former clinical director of nephrology and the medical director of dialysis at the Yale Medical Group, where he cared for numerous patients with kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease has traditionally been a difficult condition to treat. Conventional options have been limited to dialysis, kidney transplantation, or strong systemic medications, all of which are intensely demanding on the body. Recently, however, researchers at the University of Southern California have begun to explore the option of targeted drug delivery. 

The research team began by developing a nanoparticle known as a micelle. Created from a peptide chain that includes glutamic acids and lysine, it is 10 to 20 times smaller than the typical nanoparticle. Its size enables it to pass through the kidney filtration system, while the peptide component allows the kidneys to retain the particle instead of excreting it as waste. 

Retention of the nanoparticle by the kidneys is crucial, as it allows for the release of the drug at the site of the disease. This in turn minimizes side effects and may increase the likelihood that the drug will have its intended effects. 

In vivo testing has shown that when injected into mice, the nanoparticles concentrated in the kidneys and were safely expelled within a week. This promising result suggests that the method may be effective not only in treating disease but also in preserving other organs.