Technology : Engineered Drug Therapies™
Precisely Engineered Particles for Drug Delivery
Developing innovative solutions for improved therapeutic efficacy is at the core of Liquidia's mission. Liquidia is using PRINT® technology to develop engineered micro- and nanoparticles with optimal physical and chemical characteristics for specific targets and therapeutic applications. Initial development efforts are focused on delivery of nucleic acids, inhaled therapeutics, and vaccines.
Using PRINT technology, Liquidia has the ability to modify the following particle properties:
- Size - PRINT particles are uniform / "non-disperse" and can be tailored in size from tens of nanometers to hundreds of microns
- Shape - Current PRINT particle shapes include cubes, cylinders, and long rod-like particles among many others. The novel shape profiles of PRINT particles have been shown to influence biodistribution and cellular uptake. Additionally, particle shapes mimicking "pollen" and "bacteria" may rely on mechanisms perfected by nature to selectively accumulate in specific cells and tissues.
- Modulus / Flexibility - Liquidia's ability to 'tune' the flexibility of particles may allow selective deformability and improved therapeutic capabilities (e.g. particles mimicking red blood cells may have extended circulation time)
- Matrix / Chemical Composition - The composition of PRINT particles ranges from pure API or biologics to encapsulated therapeutics in a matrix. Therapeutic cargo in a matrix may be protected from degradation before reaching the intended therapeutic target.
- Surface Functionality - Liquidia has the ability to selectively attach targeting, stabilizing, and/or charged ligands to specific surfaces of PRINT particles. The ability to selectively functionalize surfaces of a particle can promote or inhibit cellular internalization.
Liquidia's unique ability to control these properties may lead to therapeutic advantages, including:
- Active and passive targeting
- Ability to carry a large therapeutic payload
- Improved ability to cross biological barriers (e.g. cell membranes, blood brain barrier)
- Improved solubility and controlled dissolution rate
- Triggered release mechanisms (e.g. pH, temperature, and presence of specific enzymes)
The versatility of PRINT particles will enable Liquidia and its partners to develop therapeutics with improved safety, efficacy and/or dosing requirements.
