Thermally induced suppression of COVID-19 virus replication and other lung-related viral diseases using aerosol delivered superparamagnetic nanoparticles

INV-20108

Background

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving situation that compelled researchers from all around the globe to dedicate themselves to finding the best treatment options for the disease. Despite the extensive research and the development of COVID-19 vaccines, people are still struggling with the disease and the incidence rate of the disease is high. Since the start of the pandemic over 100 million cases of the disease have been reported with more than 2 million deaths. The clinical manifestations of the disease range from asymptomatic to severe lung injury and multiple organ failure; however, severe acute respiratory symptoms and long-lasting (20-30 days) infections of the respiratory system are mainly to blame for the high mortality rate and the overwhelmed ICU units. Assisting the body to suppress this infection in the respiratory system can dramatically improve recovery time and ease ICU patient queues.

Technology Overview

 This innovation takes advantage of ferrite (i.e., iron oxide family) nanoparticles for the generation of precisely localized, magnetically induced heat to a specified area of the lung. These particles can enter the deepest recesses of the lung using aerosol inhalers and nebulizers and can be cleared from the body by natural methods without adverse side effects. Tailoring nanoparticle coating properties leads to clearance rates commensurate with the therapeutic thermal and temporal requirements.

Benefits

• Patient‑safe and non‑invasive thermally induced suppression of the virus replication
• Introduction of conjugated and nonconjugated magnetic nanoparticles by aerosol delivery systems
• Tailored renal clearance
• Non‑toxicity

Applications

• Treatment of temperature-sensitive viral diseases including COVID strains

Opportunity

• License
• Partnering
• Research collaboration