Brazilian Nanoparticle Technology Promises Breakthrough in Treating Chronic Skin Diseases
Brazilian researchers develop nanoparticle RNA delivery to revolutionize treatments for psoriasis and vitiligo by silencing disease-causing genes.
- • Brazilian researchers developed nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic RNA to skin cells, targeting chronic skin diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo.
- • The technology silences genes responsible for chronic inflammation and pigment cell destruction, reducing inflammation and potentially side effects compared to systemic drugs.
- • Research by the NanoGeneSkin lab at the University of São Paulo has been ongoing for 20 years and validated in lab cultures and animal models.
- • Plans include commercializing the technology with interest from companies and exploring vaccine applications, including cancer vaccines.
Key details
Brazilian scientists from the NanoGeneSkin laboratory at the University of São Paulo in Ribeirão Preto have developed innovative nanoparticle technology to deliver therapeutic RNA molecules directly to skin cells, targeting chronic skin illnesses such as psoriasis and vitiligo. Presented during Fapesp Week London and supported by Fapesp and other institutions like INCT and CNPq, this approach silences specific genes responsible for chronic inflammation and melanocyte destruction, which are central to these diseases.
Maria Vitória Bentley, coordinator of NanoGeneSkin, explained that this research, ongoing for 20 years, focuses on lipid nanoparticles capable of transporting interference RNAs to inhibit abnormal gene activation associated with inflammation and pigmentation loss. The technology leverages nanotechnology to protect fragile RNA molecules and facilitate their penetration through the skin barrier, enhancing treatment precision and potentially eliminating the need for systemic drugs that pose higher side-effect risks.
Validated in laboratory cultures and animal models with psoriasis-like lesions, the team is also exploring applications toward vaccine development, including cancer vaccines. Bentley emphasized plans to commercialize the technology, noting that companies have expressed interest in licensing it and clinical translation discussions are in progress. This Brazilian breakthrough could revolutionize therapeutic strategies for chronic skin conditions by enabling targeted, safer, and more effective treatments.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
