New mRNA Therapy Shows Promise for Treating Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Tel Aviv, Monday, 10 February 2025.
Tel Aviv University developed an mRNA therapy delivering interleukin-10 directly to the intestines, offering potential relief for millions affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Clinical studies are expected next year.
Breakthrough in Drug Delivery
In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Tel Aviv University have successfully engineered a novel mRNA drug delivery system that targets the intestines directly, bypassing the liver [1][2]. Led by Professor Dan Peer, the team developed nanoparticles containing the anti-inflammatory protein interleukin-10, showing promising results in animal models with Crohn’s disease [1]. The innovative approach transforms immune cells in the intestine into factories producing anti-inflammatory proteins [2].
Global Impact and Disease Burden
This advancement brings hope to approximately 7 million people worldwide who suffer from IBD [1]. In Israel alone, the national prevalence of IBD stands at 519 per 100,000 people, with 54.1% diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and 45.9% with ulcerative colitis [1]. The research is particularly significant given that between 1.5% to 28% of IBD patients have a first-degree relative with the disease, suggesting a strong genetic component [1].
Technical Innovation
The key to this breakthrough lies in the precise manipulation of lipid nanoparticle composition. The researchers increased the phospholipid composition from the standard 10% used in COVID-19 vaccines to 30%, enabling direct intestinal targeting [2]. As Professor Peer explains, ‘We discovered that altering the proportions of lipids comprising the nanoparticles determines their destination in the bloodstream’ [1]. This technical advancement marks a significant improvement over traditional drug delivery methods, where medications typically accumulate in the liver [2].
Future Applications and Clinical Outlook
The research team is already exploring broader applications of this technology, including potential treatments for colon cancer [1]. Clinical studies are planned to begin within the next year, with pharmaceutical companies showing interest in the technology [1]. The team is also investigating adaptations of the delivery system to target other organs by fine-tuning the lipid nanoparticle composition [1][2]. Given the recent findings linking IBD to increased risk of ischemic heart disease, particularly in male patients [3][4], this therapeutic advancement could have far-reaching implications for managing both gastrointestinal inflammation and its systemic effects.