Italian start-up NanoPhoria has announced the publication of an article titled “Lung-to-Heart Nano-in-Micro Peptide Promotes Cardiac Recovery in a Pig Model of Chronic Heart Failure” in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC). The study, which evaluated a dry powder inhalation formulation of mimetic peptide loaded onto calcium phosphate nanoparticles against inhaled dry powder nanoparticles alone, found that the inhaled peptide formulation improved heart function, reduced pulmonary congestion, and reversed heart remodeling in the pigs.
The company describes the inhaled mimetic peptide evaluated in the study as “a first-in-class biologic designed to reorganize impaired L-type calcium channel (LTCC) subcellular trafficking.” According to Nanophoria’s web site, the company’s lead candidate, NP-MP1, consists of the mimetic peptide loaded on the calcium phosphate nanoparticles, which are then embedded in mannitol-based microparticles for inhalation. At DDL2023, Eride Quarta of the University of Parma described development of the nano-in-microparticle formulation, which is based on the work of Project Cupido.
NanoPhoria founders Alessio Alogna and Daniele Catalucci commented, “The overall tolerability of LungToHeartNiM, along with the beneficial effects of reorganizing dysregulated LTCCs, may represent a game-changing treatment for patients with heart failure. Additionally, our research showcases a major advancement in the field of heart disease treatment. We have effectively demonstrated an innovative and non-invasive approach to delivering a therapeutic peptide, an LTCC modulator, directly to cardiomyocytes of the diseased heart. This method stands out as it avoids the complexities and risks associated with current invasive techniques, like injections directly into the heart muscle or coronary arteries. Our approach not only simplifies the treatment process but also significantly reduces the discomfort and potential complications for patients.”
CEO Claudio De Luca commented, “We are enthusiastic about the outcome of this study as it strongly supports the current development of our lead product, NP-MP1, which is now approaching the clinical phases. It also confirms the potential effectiveness of our delivery platform for our future product pipeline.”
Read the NanoPhoria press release.
