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
