“The nanoparticles we have developed can have a real impact on the lives of glaucoma patients”
Dr. Elena Sánchez, professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences of the University of Barcelona, leads an innovative project that could mark a turning point in glaucoma treatment.
This neurodegenerative disease, which affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of blindness, requires new therapeutic strategies that are more effective and less invasive.
What does the technology you have developed to combat glaucoma consist of?
We have developed next-generation lipid nanoparticles with therapeutic properties. These particles encapsulate a natural active compound with neuroprotective properties.
What makes this technology particularly innovative?
The main advantage of these nanoparticles is that they can be administered topically, in the form of eye drops, which is very convenient and accessible for patients. Moreover, they allow for prolonged release of the active compound, enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Animal model trials have shown that these particles can reach the posterior pole of the eye and the retina, making them a very promising option for neuroprotection in glaucoma.
In addition, you have managed to incorporate them into a thermosensitive gel.
Exactly. It is an eye drop that is applied in liquid form but, upon contact with the ocular surface, increases in viscosity. This allows it to adhere better to the eye and improves nanoparticle penetration, further enhancing its therapeutic potential.
How will this technology benefit glaucoma patients?
On the one hand, lipid nanoparticles have moisturizing, lubricating, and anti-inflammatory properties that make them effective for treating dryness and ocular inflammation, very common in these patients. On the other hand, they can act as an adjuvant to current treatments, which focus on reducing intraocular pressure, or they can be combined with these drugs and administered together in a single formulation. It is, therefore, a highly versatile technology with great disruptive potential.
You received a Proof of Concept grant from the Innovation Boost Fund (F2I) awarded by the University of Barcelona. What did receiving this grant mean?
The F2I grant has been essential to advancing the project. It has allowed us to start the industrial scale-up of the nanoparticles and to have the resources needed to validate key aspects such as biodistribution and the persistence of the nanoparticles in ocular tissues. We are also conducting trials with specific glaucoma animal models to obtain more precise data on their mechanism of action.
What is the current status of this project?
We have carried out several trials in animal models and confirmed their therapeutic efficacy. However, we are expanding these biodistribution and efficacy studies in glaucoma. Regarding intellectual property, we are in the national phase with the capacity to transfer the developed technology. At the same time, we have already begun industrial scale-up of the nanoparticles, a key step towards future clinical application.
What is it like, as a researcher, to be part of a project like this?
It is an exciting challenge, especially because it is the first time we have taken such a complete journey, from the laboratory to potential market transfer. Moreover, this project was born within the framework of a doctoral thesis in our research group, and we have grown it with strong commitment from all team members. We are very excited about the possibility of taking this technology one step further and being able to license it.
How do you manage to combine transfer, research, and teaching?
With difficulties… but also with a lot of motivation (laughs). Technology transfer is very rewarding because it allows you to see how research can have a real impact on patients’ lives. At the same time, combining it with teaching duties, which are also demanding and important, requires great effort. But we dedicate a lot of energy because we believe in the value of this project, and above all, I am fortunate to be supported by a highly dedicated team of researchers who are doing excellent work.
More about… Elena Sánchez
The best invention in history?
Vaccines.
What would you like to see in the future?
In my field, I would like to see nanotechnology reaching the market on a larger scale. On a personal level, since I have a daughter, I would like both boys and girls to have the same education and opportunities.
A future development that scares you?
Artificial intelligence.
A role model?
My mentor and thesis supervisor, Dr. Maria Luisa García, who instilled in me the passion for research, and my parents, who have always fought to achieve their goals with effort and determination.
What could be done to achieve equality between men and women?
We should foster inclusive and equitable environments where men and women have the same opportunities to progress and where talent is recognized without gender bias.
Technology transfer is important for…
Turning scientific knowledge into real solutions for patients.