2024 is here full of new resolutions and challenges. And so, in an ever-evolving field such as medicine, it’s inevitable to wonder what exciting advances the new year will bring.
Nature medicine has asked leading researchers to discover what clinical trials may impact medicine in 2024. Artificial intelligence tools for lung cancer, malaria, and VIH vaccines, gene editing tools to treat hypercholesterolemia, and immunotherapy for melanoma have all earned a place on the list.
Not surprisingly, some of these advancements involve nanotechnology, given its promise to revolutionize the medical field.
Nanotechnology drives medical advancements and clinical trials to shape healthcare in 2024.
Nanotechnology is critical for the long-term efficacy of the malaria vaccine
Nanotechnology has come to stay. Ongoing clinical trials and already-approved drugs prove that nanotechnology is a reality in clinical practice.
A highlighted clinical trial for 2024 is the long-term efficacy of the R21 malaria vaccine. Only two malaria vaccines are recommended by the World Health Organization: RTS,S, and R21. RTS,S drops from 55 % of efficacy to around 30 % at 4 years after vaccination. R21 is thought to perform better in the long term since it uses saponin nanoparticles as adjuvants with a much higher antigen density on the surface. Vaccines such as the vaccine against human papillomavirus work for a lifetime because of the presence of nanoparticles. Nanotechnology drives medical advancements and clinical trials to shape healthcare in 2024.
Base editing to treat hypercholesterolemia relies on lipid nanoparticles
Another revolutionary clinical trial is the phase 1b involving base editing to treat hypercholesterolemia. Inherited hypercholesterolemia is caused by mutations in the PCSK9 gene, which encodes a protein that breaks down receptors for low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a type of cholesterol.
This approach, VERVE-101, is the first-in-human study of in vivo base editing; a single base of the PCSK9 gene is permanently modified in the liver. The intravenous infusion of the gene editing machinery, two mRNAs, is possible thanks to its packing into a lipid nanoparticle. Lipid nanoparticles prevent mRNA degradation and ensure targeted and high intracellular liver delivery.
PCSK9 protein is also targeted by an approved drug based on siRNA, which needs to be administrated every 6 months. VERVE-101 promises a permanent solution, a one-time injection that durably decreases LDL cholesterol levels.
DIVERSA keeps innovating to enhance first-in-class therapies
At DIVERSA, we are convinced that nanotechnology is a major player in the healthcare revolution of the 21st century. That is why we intensely focus on improving our know-how through R&D. We continue researching and developing lipid nanoparticles to precisely deliver peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecules in their therapeutic active form.
Our compromise to advance innovation led us to put this technology at the service of the entire scientific community. We have launched various ready-to-go and user-friendly nanoparticle reagents and offer a more direct implication through our co-development services.
Activa Startups Program
DIVERSA qualifies as an eligible startup for participation in the Activa Startups Program, an initiative by the Spanish Government designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access new technologies and innovations through direct engagement with startups. SMEs have the opportunity to receive up to €40,000 in non-refundable funds to catalyze their innovation efforts by subcontracting services to a startup.
The program is gradually published in various autonomous communities in Spain and remains open for a limited period. Contact us to prepare a proposal and be ready once the program is announced in your region. We have already supported SMEs with success.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for more info! We are always open to initiating new partnerships and collaborations!
