IP Requirement: Worldwide Clinical Trials IP

Experience Requirement:

– Chemical Engineering

– Wet Lab Experience

– Rapid Prototyping

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are a prevalent health issue, often leaving women with limited treatment options, such as hysterectomy as a first-line intervention. While these benign tumors can affect women across all racial and socioeconomic groups, women of color and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are disproportionately offered fewer or are uninformed about alternative, less invasive treatments that preserve fertility.

A significant number of women remain asymptomatic until severe symptoms arise, which often necessitate surgical options. Current guidelines, such as those provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), outline both medical and surgical therapies. However, these options, apart from hysterectomy, carry high recurrence rates and potential adverse effects. Less invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery show promise but are associated with risks, including heavy menstrual bleeding, post-embolization syndrome, and high rates of reintervention.

Emerging research explores the use of polymeric nanoparticles to enhance the delivery of 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an antitumor drug with potential for treating fibroids. The low bioavailability and poor aqueous solubility of 2-ME present challenges in achieving effective tumor targeting. PLGA nanoparticles have demonstrated potential in delivering 2-ME with limited toxicity. However, further investigation is required into PEGylated PLGA nanoparticles to improve delivery efficiency, mucosal penetration, and overall therapeutic performance. This approach aims to provide an FDA-approved, fertility-preserving treatment for uterine fibroids.