Colonic delivery of vasoactive intestinal peptide nanomedicine alleviates colitis and shows promise as an oral capsule
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of locally delivered nanomedicine, vasoactive intestinal peptide in sterically stabilized micelles (VIP-SSM) to the colon and conduct in vitro release studies of a potential oral formulation. Materials & methods: Intracolonic instillation of VIP-SSM was tested in a mouse model of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Based on the effective mouse dose, human equivalent dose containing nanomedicine powder was filled into enteric coated capsules for in vitro release testing. Results: Colonic delivery of VIP-SSM significantly alleviated colitis. VIP-SSM containing capsules completely dissolved at colonic pH allowing micelles to reform with active VIP. Capsule formulations exhibited reproducible release profiles when stored up to 6 weeks demonstrating stability. Conclusion: VIP-SSM is an effective nanomedicine formulation which appears to have potential for oral treatment of colitis in humans.
Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest
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