Injectable DrugEluting Nanocrystals Prevent Fibrosis and Stricture Formation In Vivo

Johns Hopkins gastroenterologist Florin Selaru and nanomedicine researcher Laura Ensign discuss their work addressing one of the major clinical problems related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): strictures in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Currently, no medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat fibrosis or strictures in the GI tract. After identifying molecules that have anti-fibrotic activity, Selaru collaborated with Ensign, who designed a sustained-release formulation that can be injected during an endoscopy. The formulation acts over a period of time at the site where it is intended to prevent stricture formation. Testing on animal models was successful, and the team aims to continue its work to gain FDA approval as a treatment option for patients with IBD. #Fibrosis #JohnsHopkins #Strictures