Unlocking New Possibilities for IBD Patients

A groundbreaking drug delivery innovation is set to enhance treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Current oral medications struggle to reach their intended destination in the lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract, leading to inefficiencies and unwanted side effects.

Laura Sly, a professor at the University of British Columbia (UBC), highlights that these medications often get absorbed in the upper digestive system before they can do their job, diminishing their effectiveness. "They need to navigate through the entire digestive system and into the bloodstream, which complicates the delivery process and limits the amount of medication that actually reaches the affected areas," she explains.

Introducing GlycoCage: A Game-Changer in Drug Delivery

In 2021, Sly and her colleague, biochemistry professor Harry Brumer, along with other researchers, unveiled GlycoCage—a cutting-edge delivery technology engineered to shield IBD drugs until they reach the lower GI tract. Their compelling findings were published in the journal *Science* on May 1.

GlycoCage employs a plant-derived oligosaccharide, akin to dietary fiber, which is only broken down by specific bacteria present in the lower GI tract. By attaching this oligosaccharide to IBD medications, the drugs can travel through the digestive system unscathed, reaching the large intestine where they're needed most.

Stunning Results from Animal Trials

In tests using mouse models of intestinal inflammation and colitis, the steroid dexamethasone, when GlycoCaged, showed superior absorption in the lower GI tract. In comparison, traditional dexamethasone was found circulating in the blood serum and tissue, indicating premature absorption.

Remarkably, even at a lower dosage, GlycoCaged dexamethasone proved to be equally or more effective at reducing inflammation than its non-caged counterpart.

Harnessing Gut Microbiome Insights for Medical Advances

This revolutionary research builds upon a foundation laid by earlier studies into the gut microbiome. Brumer notes, "Our exploration of gut bacteria sparked the inspiration needed to transform basic research into a practical solution for patients facing these challenging conditions."

As more research unfolds, GlycoCage could pave the way for a new era in the treatment of IBD, offering hope for millions who suffer from these debilitating disorders.