Session M5.2

Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery to Atherosclerotic Plaques

JW Smith*

Burnham Institute for Medical Research
La Jolla, CA, USA

We are one of the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s Programs of Excellence in Nanotechnology. The focus of our work has been the creation of novel nanoparticles for the delivery of drugs to atherosclerotic plaques, which are inflamed lipid-rich regions on blood vessels. While almost all people have these plaques, they are of little danger unless they break, or rupture. It is plaque rupture that leads to heart attack and stroke. Our team is focusing on two aspects of nanotechnology to devise new treatments to prevent plaque rupture. First, we are devising new ways of sending nanoparticles directly to the plaque, an approach referred to as “targeting.” Targeting is much like endowing a nanoparticle with a zip code, so that it goes to one particular site (the plaque) rather than being disseminated throughout the body. We are also devising new nanoparticles, ones that are smart and can respond to the local physiology of the atherosclerotic plaque. In this regard we have created particles that act like artificial cells, particles that have memory, and particles with two faces, which we believe will help us deliver multiple drugs at the same time.

(Abstract Control Number: 178)