NanoHybrids has been awarded $300,000 by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in oral cancers using a novel nano-enabled hybrid technology.

NanoHybrids Inc., a privately held, nanotechnology company developing novel solutions for non-invasive detection, molecular profiling, and treatment of cancers and other diseases, has announced that it has been awarded $300,000 by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in oral cancers.

Collaborating with NanoHybrids on the STTR project is Dr. Srivalleesha Mallidi, Instructor at Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School whose research, demonstrating PDT value for murine models of glioblastoma, oral, pancreatic and other tumors as well as clinical study of PDT’s predictive efficacy in healthy volunteers is widely referred to in the PDT field.

The joint project will involve important in vivo pre-clinical studies designed to validate the efficacy of a nano-enabled platform to raise the therapeutic index of PDT in oral cancer. The nano-enabled hybrid technology’s relevance derives from an ability to enhance potency through targeted delivery of photosensitizer in combination with reactive oxygen, and carry an imaging agent to confirm patient specific dose and site-specific impact for minimized side effects.

“The STTR grant award reinforced the promise of our approach and technology to treat solid tumors in oral cancer,” stated Ryan Deschner, Ph.D., Chief Research Officer, NanoHybrids. “The financial support of the NIH grant and the collaboration with the Wellman Center for Photomedicine will accelerate the development of our nanoparticle platform for head and neck cancer patients who desire more effective treatment.”

Current treatments have evolved little over the last decade with death rates exceeding those of melanoma and cervical cancers. Global incidence continues to rise as well, mainly due to the use of tobacco products. Conventional therapeutic approaches for oral cancer often include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which target the tumor bulk, but have had limited effect curbing recurrence and enhancing overall survival rates. In addition, surgery often leaves patients with several functional deficits to their jaw, mouth, and facial areas which is detrimental to overall quality of life. With a demonstration of greater therapeutic index for its nano-enabled PDT platform, NanoHybrids will take important steps to improve the outcomes for these patients.

About NanoHybrids Inc.

NanoHybrids develops nanotechnology solutions that facilitate non-invasive detection, molecular profiling, and novel treatments for disease. NanoHybrids combines a clinical development pipeline with commercially available products and services to drive theranostic nanoparticle innovations across applications spanning biomedical imaging and drug delivery. Through academic and industrial partnerships, the company strives to enhance the convergence of nanotechnology and medicine. For more information visit us online at www.nanohybrids.net

Disclaimer
The content of this release is solely the representation of NanoHybrids and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Contact Information

Ryan Deschner, Ph.D. | Chief Research Officer