Portland: Scientists at Oregon State University have developed smart nanoparticles that deliver genetic therapies directly to lung cells, offering new hope for treating lung cancer and cystic fibrosis.
In a breakthrough led by Gaurav Sahay from OSU’s College of Pharmacy, in partnership with Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Helsinki, researchers engineered nanoparticles capable of carrying mRNA and gene-editing tools to targeted lung tissue.
The findings, published in Nature Communications and the Journal of the American Chemical Society, show the therapy slowed lung cancer progression and improved cystic fibrosis symptoms in animal models.
The team tested over 150 materials to create safe, effective nanocarriers that avoid harmful side effects often seen in other therapies. Their innovation lies in a customizable chemical platform that precisely targets different organs, starting with the lungs.
The system also stimulated immune responses against tumors and restored lung function compromised by genetic disease. Sahay says this technique streamlines therapy design and delivery for various diseases.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the National Cancer Institute, and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute funded the research. Scientists say this marks a significant step toward safer, organ-specific genetic treatments.
