Researchers at Nottingham Trent University are involved in a study to develop a new type of treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition affecting over five million people worldwide.
Together with University of Nottingham and University College London they received £1.3 million from the Medical Research Council (MRC).
Current IBD therapies often fail to fully relieve symptoms for many patients, especially those also suffering from serious gut infections like Clostridioides difficile, which can worsen inflammation and lead to more severe outcomes.
The team is harnessing the power of microRNAs—tiny molecules that help regulate the immune system—by packaging them into microscopic particles called nanoparticles.
These are designed to deliver treatment directly to damaged parts of the gut, reducing inflammation and protecting cells. Early results in lab models have been very promising, showing targeted action with no signs of harm.
Now entering a critical development stage, the project brings together a cross-disciplinary team of experts from leading UK institutions.
These include Dr Christos Polytarchou, Dr Maria Hatziapostolou, Dr Sarah Kuehne and Professor Lesley Hoyles at NTU, Dr Tanya Monaghan, Professor Cameron Alexander and Dr David Scurr at the University of Nottingham, Dr Pratik Gurnani at University College London, Professor Roisin Owens at the University of Cambridge, Dr Anna Seekatz at Clemson University, USA.
The team will refine and test these therapies in cutting-edge systems that mimic the human gut, while also exploring the potential to treat other conditions, such as inflammatory conditions of the gut-brain axis and neurodegenerative diseases.
If successful, this groundbreaking technology could lead to a new generation of personalised treatments, offering real hope to IBD patients who do not respond to current therapies.
Dr Tanya Monaghan, Associate Professor in the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, and project lead, said: “We urgently need more targeted and effective treatments for people living with inflammatory bowel disease and more severe forms of C. difficile infection.
“This project takes us a step closer to personalised therapies that can not only reduce inflammation but also help repair and protect the gut. I’m excited about the potential impact this could have for patients who currently have limited options.”
Dr Christos Polytarchou, Associate Professor in Health and Disease in Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology, said: “This collaboration brings together world-class expertise to push the boundaries of RNA-based therapies.
“Our goal is to develop precision nanomedicines that not only treat inflammation more effectively, but also address the underlying molecular drivers of disease. It’s a unique opportunity to translate pioneering science into real clinical solutions.”