Low-frequency ultrasound for the delivery of therapeutics to the gastrointestinal tract

Rapid and effective drug delivery to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be a significant challenge. This is because of the harsh environment present in the GI tract and fast transit times in disease states. Physical enhancers, such as ultrasound(US), may enable the rapid delivery of therapeutics while circumventing the need for formulation development. Despite being investigated for other uses, low frequency US has not been studied for GI-based delivery previously. Our group has developed a hand-held device for the rapid delivery of therapeutics to the colonic mucosa. The device utilizes low-frequency US, which is able to painlessly and reversibly permeabilize the tissue. Short, 1-minute treatments in 80 kg Yorkshire pigs were found to enhance the delivery of mesalamine, a drug used for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, 22.4-fold over a conventional enema. The safety and efficacy of US were further validated in a rodent colitis model. The delivery of proteins was also possible. US-mediated GI delivery has many potential applications ranging from localized treatment with anti-inflammatories to the more broad delivery of macromolecules. This new technology could prove invaluable in both clinical and research settings, enabling improved therapies and expansion of research techniques applied to the GI tract.