Rachel V Thomas

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Endometriosis: Repurposed Anti-Parasite Drug Shows Promise In New Study

Endometriosis: Repurposed Anti-Parasite Drug Shows Promise In Mouse Study

<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/endometriosis">Endometriosis</a> is a chronic disease affecting about 1 in 10 women worldwide. Diagnosis and treatment remain challenging, particularly for women with severe pain and other complications.

Now, US researchers have developed a targeted nanotherapy that showed promising results against endometriosis in early testing.

Scientists at Washington State University found that the treatment reduced endometriosis lesions, symptoms and pain sensitivity after a single dose in mice.

The findings were published in Advanced Healthcare Materials. Researchers hope to eventually test the treatment in humans.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/endometriosis-can-take-years-to-diagnose-but-this-ai-tool-can-identify-its-signs-in-18-milliseconds-article-156175686" data-type="tilCustomLink">Endometriosis Can Take Years To Diagnose But This AI Tool Can Identify Its Signs In 18 Milliseconds</a>

The drug, niclosamide, was previously used to treat intestinal tapeworm infections in humans and is still used in animals.

Earlier research found that niclosamide could reduce endometriosis lesions and inflammation. However, it is not suitable for long-term use, limiting its potential as a treatment for a chronic condition.

To overcome this, researchers developed a nanotherapy that delivers niclosamide directly to cells associated with endometriosis.

“We found the disease-specific immune cell, and then we had a drug, but we couldn’t target the cell with the drug alone,” said Kanako Hayashi, professor at WSU’s School of Molecular Biosciences.

“So we used this nanocarrier that delivers the drug specifically to the disease site,” Hayashi said.

<h2>Single Dose Reduced Lesions In Mice</h2>

The team used a nanosized molecule called a dendrimer to bind with niclosamide and deliver it in a more soluble form.

In mice, a single injection reduced the size and number of lesions and lowered pain sensitivity.

“Although we still need to clear multiple phases, this study is telling us the efficacy is strong, and this nanocarrier is stable, so far, for two weeks—and we think we can go longer,” Hayashi said.

If the treatment remains stable for longer periods, researchers believe it could potentially be given less frequently. Hayashi said a monthly injection could be possible in the future, but this would depend on further testing.

READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/endometriosis-taught-me-to-always-listen-to-my-body-says-model-padma-lakshmi-article-153982477" data-type="tilCustomLink">Endometriosis Taught Me To Always Listen To My Body, Says Model Padma Lakshmi</a>

Not yet. The treatment has only been tested in mice and must undergo further safety and efficacy testing before human trials.

Researchers also do not yet know whether it would ultimately be given as an injection or IV infusion.

Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

It can cause severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex and infertility. Symptoms are sometimes dismissed as a “bad period,” contributing to delays in diagnosis.

There is currently no cure, although treatments can help manage symptoms.

Treatment depends on symptoms, disease severity and fertility goals.

Hormonal medicines can help control pain and disease activity but may cause side effects and can affect fertility while being used.

Painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may help manage discomfort.

Laparoscopic surgery can remove lesions and endometriotic cysts and may help restore pelvic anatomy. It can also improve fertility in some women, although the disease can recur.

Lifestyle measures such as regular exercise, stress management and dietary changes may also support symptom management.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

endometriosis-repurposed-anti-parasite-drug-shows-promise-in-mouse-study

Endometriosis

nanotherapy

niclosamide

painful periods

tapeworm infections

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Endometriosis is a chronic disease affecting about 1 in 10 women worldwide. Diagnosis and treatment remain challenging, particularly for women with severe pain and other complications.Now, US researchers have developed a targeted nanotherapy that showed promising results against endometriosis in early testing.Scientists at Washington State University found that the treatment reduced endometriosis lesions, symptoms and pain sensitivity after a single dose in mice.The findings were published in Advanced Healthcare Materials. Researchers hope to eventually test the treatment in humans.How Does The Drug Work?Also read: Endometriosis Can Take Years To Diagnose But This AI Tool Can Identify Its Signs In 18 MillisecondsThe drug, niclosamide, was previously used to treat intestinal tapeworm infections in humans and is still used in animals.Earlier research found that niclosamide could reduce endometriosis lesions and inflammation. However, it is not suitable for long-term use, limiting its potential as a treatment for a chronic condition.To overcome this, researchers developed a nanotherapy that delivers niclosamide directly to cells associated with endometriosis.“We found the disease-specific immune cell, and then we had a drug, but we couldn’t target the cell with the drug alone,” said Kanako Hayashi, professor at WSU’s School of Molecular Biosciences.“So we used this nanocarrier that delivers the drug specifically to the disease site,” Hayashi said.Single Dose Reduced Lesions In MiceThe team used a nanosized molecule called a dendrimer to bind with niclosamide and deliver it in a more soluble form.In mice, a single injection reduced the size and number of lesions and lowered pain sensitivity.“Although we still need to clear multiple phases, this study is telling us the efficacy is strong, and this nanocarrier is stable, so far, for two weeks—and we think we can go longer,” Hayashi said.If the treatment remains stable for longer periods, researchers believe it could potentially be given less frequently. Hayashi said a monthly injection could be possible in the future, but this would depend on further testing.READ: Endometriosis Taught Me To Always Listen To My Body, Says Model Padma LakshmiCan It Be Used In Humans?Not yet. The treatment has only been tested in mice and must undergo further safety and efficacy testing before human trials.Researchers also do not yet know whether it would ultimately be given as an injection or IV infusion.What Is Endometriosis?Endometriosis affects an estimated 190 million women worldwide. It occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.It can cause severe pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during sex and infertility. Symptoms are sometimes dismissed as a “bad period,” contributing to delays in diagnosis.There is currently no cure, although treatments can help manage symptoms.How Is Endometriosis Treated?Treatment depends on symptoms, disease severity and fertility goals.Hormonal medicines can help control pain and disease activity but may cause side effects and can affect fertility while being used.Painkillers, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may help manage discomfort.Laparoscopic surgery can remove lesions and endometriotic cysts and may help restore pelvic anatomy. It can also improve fertility in some women, although the disease can recur.Lifestyle measures such as regular exercise, stress management and dietary changes may also support symptom management.

endometriosis: old anti-parasite drug reduced lesions in mouse study

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Endometriosis: Repurposed Anti-Parasite Drug Shows Promise In Mouse Study

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Endometriosis: Repurposed Anti-Parasite Drug Shows Promise In Mouse Study

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