Targeted nanoliposomes to improve enzyme replacement therapy of Fabry disease

Judit Tomsen-Melero1,2, Marc Moltó-Abad1,3, Josep Merlo-Mas4

  • 1Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.

Science Advances
|December 13, 2024
PubMed

Insights

A novel nanoliposomal drug delivery system, nanoGLA, effectively targets Fabry disease by delivering alpha-galactosidase A enzyme to tissues, including the brain. This innovative approach shows promise for treating systemic and cerebrovascular manifestations.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Lysosomal storage disorders, like Fabry disease, affect multiple organs due to enzyme deficiency.
  • Current enzyme replacement therapies (ERTs) for Fabry disease have limited efficacy, particularly in reaching the central nervous system.
  • Fabry disease is caused by deficient alpha-galactosidase A (GLA) activity, leading to substrate accumulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a peptide-targeted nanoliposomal formulation (nanoGLA) for enhanced delivery of recombinant human GLA (rhGLA).
  • To assess the efficacy of nanoGLA in reducing substrate accumulation in a preclinical model of Fabry disease.
  • To investigate the potential of nanoGLA to address both systemic and brain-related manifestations of Fabry disease.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a peptide-targeted nanoliposomal drug delivery system (nanoGLA) carrying rhGLA.
  • Administration of nanoGLA to a mouse model of Fabry disease.
  • Assessment of Gb3 deposit reduction in various tissues, including the brain, compared to non-nanoformulated GLA.

Main Results:

  • nanoGLA demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing Gb3 deposits compared to non-nanoformulated GLA.
  • Significant reduction of Gb3 deposits was observed in the brain, indicating successful cerebrovascular delivery.
  • The European Medicines Agency (EMA) granted Orphan Drug Designation to nanoGLA.

Conclusions:

  • nanoGLA represents an innovative therapeutic strategy for Fabry disease with improved biodistribution and efficacy.
  • The nanoliposomal formulation shows potential for treating both systemic and neurological aspects of Fabry disease.
  • nanoGLA's promising preclinical results and regulatory designation support its advancement towards clinical trials.