M-cell GP2-mediated lymphatic-targeted drug carriers
Overview
HKBU has developed a novel drug delivery system using Radix Astragali Polysaccharide (RAP), a macromolecule derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), to enhance the bioavailability of drugs and vaccines.
Commercialisation opportunities
Non-exclusive licensing
Problem addressed
This invention solve the challenge of delivering macromolecular drugs (e.g., peptides, antibodies, vaccines) via oral or aerosol administration due to poor bioavailability caused by the gut/lung mucosal barrier.
Innovation
- This method leverages a receptor-mediated transcytosis pathway via microfold (M) cells in Peyer’s patches (PPs) of the small intestine.
- Radix Astragali Polysaccharide triggers antitumor immunity and offers a gut microbiota-independent approach to directly deliver macromolecules to the mucosal immune system.
Key impact
- The delivery system is gut microbiota-independent, offering a novel approach for macromolecular drug delivery.
- Radix Astragali Polysaccharide is selectively transported across the gut wall by glycoprotein 2 (GP2)-mediated transcytosis.
Award
- Gold Medal at the "15th International Invention Fair in the Middle East (IIFME)" in 2025
Application
- RAP can be formulated into oral or aerosolized compositions for drug and vaccine delivery.
Patent
- China Patent Publication No.: CN 119317448 A
Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU)
Aspiring to be a leading, research-led, liberal arts University in Asia, Hong Kong Baptist University is committed to conducting world-leading investigations that extends the frontiers of knowledge, tackles global challenges and benefits the community at home and abroad.
Pursuing research excellence is one of the priorities of the University’s Institutional Strategic Plan 2018-2028. The University keeps enhancing its capacity and strength to produce world-class research with an aim to bring significant impact to the society.
Enquiry
