Nanotechnology for Better Human Health
Technology
Challenges we address
Diagram of VLP's filled with anti-cancer drugs
VLP Delivery’s Engineered “Smart” NanoParticles (NPs) Address These Severe Challenges:
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NPs are “Camouflaged” to Avoid Interception
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NPs Search broadly for Targeted Cells
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NPs Bind to Targeted Cells with High Specificity (to Minimize Side Effects)
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NPs Release Cargo ONLY after entering Targeted Cells
Our Plan
VLP Delivery Will Develop Therapeutics Using Three Cargoes:
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Toxins that kill only Cancer Cells
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Genes for Long Term Correction of Genetic Issues
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Messenger RNAs for Temporary Genetic Modifications
VLP: the Gold Standard
VLP Delivery seeks to achieve the longstanding dream of delivering potent medicines only to the cells in our bodies that need the therapy. The company continues groundbreaking research conducted by the Swartz lab toward the production, loading, and surface modification of virus-like particles.
These hollow nanospheres are amazing gifts of nature that form the skeletons of natural viruses. For our technology, 240 copies of a single small protein assemble into miniscule soccer balls 35 nanometer diameter; so small that more than 3000 would be required to span a human hair. Over more than ten years, the lab has produced and tested hundreds of versions of these nanoparticles as well as many different production processes. The formidable challenges required such a sustained effort.
More than a century ago, Dr. Paul Ehrlich dreamed of delivering medicines only to the part of the body that could benefit. This required such a special delivery vehicle that he called it a “Magic Bullet. Not only could the medicine be more effective, but also the rest of the body would not be threatened with unpleasant and dangerous side effects. This vision has since been featured in books and movies (see image), but it turned out to be incredibly difficult.
Only now do we understand why this is so hard, after tremendous knowledge about human biochemistry and physiology has accumulated and after hundreds of targeted delivery attempts have failed.
The answers are provided in the diagram here. The VLP Delivery technology will address each of these challenges.
Download and Read Prof. Swartz's Publication