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Researchers at the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation have developed a novel nanoparticle-based therapy for obesity treatment, as reported in a recent study published in ACS Nano. The innovative approach targets inflammatory cells in adipose tissue, modulating the immune system and promoting fat tissue browning. The research addresses the growing global obesity epidemic and the limitations of current treatment options.

The study, led by Dr. Alireza Hassani Najafabadi, introduces simvastatin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (Sim-NPs) for localized delivery to adipose tissues. In laboratory experiments and a mouse model of diet-induced obesity, these nanoparticles demonstrated strong anti-inflammatory effects, enhanced macrophage polarization modulation, and induced adipose tissue browning. The treatment effectively inhibited obesity-related inflammation and controlled white fat production, resulting in weight loss.
Dr. Hassani Najafabadi emphasized the novelty of their findings, stating, “By using nanoparticles to deliver simvastatin directly to adipose tissue, we’ve been able to target the inflammatory processes that contribute to obesity while potentially reducing systemic side effects.”
Dr. Ali Khademhosseini, Director and CEO of the Terasaki Institute, added, “This research exemplifies our commitment to finding innovative solutions to pressing public health challenges.”
The team’s next steps include further optimizing the nanoparticle delivery system and preparing for additional preclinical studies to assess the therapy’s efficacy and safety. This monotherapy approach offers potential advantages over traditional delivery methods and could contribute to the development of more effective obesity treatments in the future.

More information:
Neda Mohaghegh et al, Simvastatin-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles: Targeting Inflammatory Macrophages for Local Adipose Tissue Browning in Obesity Treatment, ACS Nano (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c10742

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Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation

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Nanoparticle-based approach targets inflammatory cells for obesity treatment (2024, October 29)
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