New Drug Delivery Method Targets Gut, Reduces IBD Medication Doses by Up to 10 Times- Study
A new drug delivery technique, GlycoCaging, could transform the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), allowing medication to be delivered directly to the gut at much lower doses. The proof-of-concept study, published in Science, demonstrates that this method can effectively target the lower gut in mice, using up to 10 times less medication than current therapies.
GlycoCaging works by chemically bonding a drug, such as a steroid, to a molecule found in fruits and vegetables. This molecule can only be broken down by specific bacteria in the gut. Once the drug reaches the lower intestine, the bacteria break the bond, releasing the medication where it's needed.
"With this technique, we have the ability to deliver not just steroids, but a range of drugs including antimicrobial compounds directly to the gut, potentially helping people with inflammatory bowel disease, gut infections and more," said Dr. Harry Brumer, co-senior author and professor in UBC’s department of chemistry.
In trials involving mice with IBD, GlycoCaged steroids were equally effective as high-dose treatments but resulted in much lower drug levels in the rest of the body, reducing potential side effects.
The team found the necessary bacteria in fecal samples from 33 individuals, both with and without IBD, indicating that the system may work in humans. With a patent secured, the researchers are now seeking funding for advanced preclinical and human clinical trials.
Reference: Ma, W. J., et al. (2025). Bespoke plant glycoconjugates for gut microbiota-mediated drug targeting. Science. doi.org/10.1126/science.adk7633.
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