Mini-capsules transport therapeutic gas in the stomach and intestines

Healing Capsule releases therapeutic gas in the stomach and intestines

Scientists at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg (JMU) are currently working on the development of a capsule that can be swallowed and release a therapeutic gas in the stomach or intestine. For the implementation of their idea, the researchers receive a grant of 500,000 euros from the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs.

With the help of the innovative capsules, the therapeutic gas is to be transported directly to the scene of action and released there. Diseases in the stomach and intestine could be treated in such a targeted way. For the development of the capsule to the implementation of medical innovation in a business start-up, the scientists have received a grant of half a million euros.

Carbon monoxide not only harmful

According to the researchers, the capsules are filled with carbon monoxide, which they can subsequently transport through the body and release again. Although most people think of carbon monoxide as a dangerous gas, which is contained in engine exhaust, for example, this gas naturally occurs in very low concentrations in the human organism. Among other things, anti-inflammatory effects unfold, explain the scientists.

Treat inflammation in the stomach and intestines with gas?

The anti-inflammatory effect of the gas can also be used for therapeutic purposes. For example, "inflammation of the intestine can be alleviated by low concentrations of carbon monoxide," explains Professor Lorenz Meinel, holder of the Chair of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy at the JMU. In addition, the gas probably also show a positive effect in a special form of stomach paralysis, which often occurs in diabetics.

Application of gases so far difficult

Since gases evaporate quickly, it is relatively difficult to use them therapeutically as an easy-to-use drug, the experts report. The gas can be brought only very limited in the body targeted to a specific site of action. Here is the development of the capsules remedy.

Swallowable capsules transport the active substance

The team around Professor Meinel is currently working to make them so that they can be swallowed and release small amounts of carbon monoxide in the stomach or intestine only where they should work. Over the next two years, the scientists plan to transfer the project to a start-up company, with the capsule and active ingredient having to be produced in a quality that meets the requirements of the pharmaceutical industry JMU. (Fp)