SOD2 mRNA Delivery via SemaPhore™ Nanoparticles Offers New Hope for AAA Treatment

Altamira Therapeutics Ltd.'s SemaPhore peptide-based nanoparticles have been shown to be beneficial in treating abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) by delivering SOD2 mRNA. The study, conducted by research teams from the University of South Florida and Washington University, found that treatment with SOD2 mRNA in AAA mice led to significant improvements in survival rates, a decrease in aortic dilatation, and a delayed rupture of aneurysm. AAAs are more common in males and grow in frequency with age, affecting around 1% of men in the 55-64 age range. Currently, the main treatment for large or rapidly expanding AAAs is surgery.

The study focused on the enzyme superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), which eliminates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and propels AAA. By systemic delivery of SOD2 mRNA using Altamira's SemaPhore nanoparticles, researchers were able to avoid rupture by reducing oxidative stress, increasing mitochondrial SOD2 expression, and mitigating tiny AAA growth. This nanotherapeutic mRNA delivery approach may be used to manage small AAAs and prevent ruptures, with potential applications in cardiovascular conditions such as AAA and atherosclerosis, as well as other inflammatory or degenerative diseases caused by ROS.