(February 2, 2016) Using
nanoparticles to engineer a special drug, a team of researchers has
demonstrated in mice a new way to both reduce preterm birth and avoid the risks
of medication in pregnancy to unborn babies.
Jerrie S. Refuerzo, M.D., of the University of Texas Medical
School at Houston (UTHealth) was frustrated with the limitations of existing
tocolytic (anti-contraction or labor-repressant) medications such as
indomethacin in treating women experiencing preterm labor. These drugs can cross the placental barrier
and cause a heart defect or other problems in the fetus. Dr. Refuerzo and
Monica Longo, M.D., Ph.D. (UT Health), in collaboration with colleagues from
Houston Methodist Research Institute, Biana Godin, PharmD, Ph.D., bioengineered
an innovative microscopic nanoparticle of indomethacin aimed at reaching the
pregnant uterus but not crossing the placenta to the fetus. This targeted
liposomal indomethacin, called LIPINDORA, was coated with an oxytocin receptor
antagonist to make it bind to uterine tissue.
LIPINDORA was given to near-term pregnant mice and the
researchers found that the treated mice were significantly less likely than
controls to have preterm uterine contractions or to deliver prematurely.
“These findings are exciting because we don’t currently have
any medication that can reliably stop contractions or prevent preterm birth
without also crossing the mom’s placenta and causing risks to babies,”
explained Edward R. B. McCabe, M.D., Ph.D,, senior vice president and chief
medical officer of the March of Dimes.