Dolutegravir nanoparticles could be a way to add HIV treatment to food and milk
Scientists in India have created a new form of the HIV antiretroviral dolutegravir (DTG) - a nanoparticle powder that can be added to food or to milk. Novel forms of treatment, such as this, can be useful in the treatment of children living with HIV. The study was conducted in animals, and the results were published in the journal Nature.
Dolutegravir is one of the more modern antiretroviral drugs, and is classified as a BCS-II molecule, which means it has solubility issues.
To increase its solubility and bioavailability, scientists synthesised ‘Chitosan nanoparticles containing DTG using spray drying technology’. The resulting nanoparticles were examined with the possibility of administration orally with milk, or other food products, as a potential paediatric antiretroviral treatment. The tests were conducted on Balb-C mice, and the results compared to pure DTG.
- Based on the results of the study, the research team drew the following conclusions:
- Biodistribution of the drug in plasma and organs was higher (2.5x) when administered as nanoparticles, rather than in its pure form.
- Joint administration of the drug with milk does not affect the absorption rate, but it does increase the time taken to reach maximum concentration.
- The distribution of the active substance in the brain was significantly higher in subjects who were treated with the nanoparticle formulation.
- Tests of organ and blood samples did not show increased toxicity associated with nanoparticle treatment.
The authors of the study believe that DTG nanoparticles can be useful for the treatment of paediatric HIV, especially when combined with milk. This will make treatment easier, and more pleasant, to administer - leading to increased adherence and better outcomes.
