TFV/EFV Nanoparticles-in-film
This product introduces a new vaginal delivery system comprising the incorporation of tenofovir (TFV) and efavirenz (EFV)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) into a polymeric film base (TFV/EFV NPs-in-film). TFV/EFV NPs-in-film was tested for its ability to deliver incorporated drugs. The delivery system provided enhanced genital distribution of drugs over 24 hours in mice, allowing higher genital concentrations of both drugs, namely as compared to their delivery in a liquid vehicle. Levels of EFV were also enhanced as compared to a film containing the drug directly dispersed in the film polymeric matrix. TFV/EFV NPs-in-film were further shown to be safe upon daily vaginal delivery for 14 -days to mice.
Development Stage:
Preclinical – Advanced (Pre2)
Hormonal/Non-Hormonal:
Non-Contraceptive
Delivery Route & Method:
Topical - Film - Vaginal
Mechanism of Action:
Short-term (on-demand) protective film that dissolves on contact with vaginal fluids to deliver combination antiviral compounds
Developer:
- Inst. for Research & Innovation in Health (i3S), U. of Porto
Funding:
- Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal
Funding Mechanism:
Grant Project UID/BIM/04293/2019
Past Funding:
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through COMPETE 2020 Program;
Gilead Portugal
Active Ingredient(s):
- Efavirenz (EFV)
- Tenofovir (TFV)
Product Indication(s):
- HIV
- HSV-1
- HSV-2