EMPA Researchers Pioneering Nanoceramics for Innovative Skin Disease Treatment

EMPA Researchers Pioneering Nanoceramics for Innovative Skin Disease Treatment

(IN BRIEF) On October 1, 2024, Andrea Six reported on the groundbreaking work by EMPA researchers in collaboration with Aldena Therapeutics to develop nanoceramic “stars” for treating common skin conditions like psoriasis and neurodermatitis. These nanoceramic structures temporarily create micro-wounds in the skin, allowing large therapeutic molecules, such as siRNA, to penetrate deeper layers effectively. This innovative method overcomes the limitations of traditional ointments that often fail to deliver active ingredients to the affected areas. The three-armed nanoceramic stars are crafted from aluminum oxide and designed to roll over the skin, generating more micro-openings than flat designs. This advancement not only enhances treatment efficacy but is also produced through a cost-effective polymer casting process, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Future developments aim to create biodegradable versions of these stars, broadening their applications, including providing alternatives for patients with injection phobia. This initiative represents a significant step forward in dermatological treatments and exemplifies EMPA’s role in advancing medical innovation.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜBENDORF, 2-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — On October 1, 2024, Andrea Six reported that Empa researchers are revolutionizing the treatment of common skin diseases such as psoriasis and neurodermatitis by collaborating with Aldena Therapeutics to utilize nanoceramic “stars.” These unique nanoceramic structures are engineered to create micro-wounds on the skin, allowing therapeutic molecules, specifically siRNA, to penetrate deeper layers effectively. This innovative method addresses a significant challenge in dermatology, as conventional ointments and lotions often fail to deliver active ingredients to the targeted area.

The process involves crafting three-armed nanoceramic stars from aluminum oxide particles that temporarily disrupt the skin barrier. This enables the delivery of large therapeutic molecules to combat chronic skin conditions. The nanoceramic stars, which roll over the skin upon application, create more micro-openings than flat designs, enhancing the treatment’s effectiveness. Importantly, these stars are produced using a cost-efficient polymer casting method, drastically reducing manufacturing expenses compared to laser techniques.

Future enhancements include the development of biodegradable stars, which could further broaden their applications beyond dermatology. The researchers envision these nanoceramic structures being useful for patients with injection phobia, providing an alternative method for administering medication without the need for needles. This novel approach signifies a substantial advancement in the treatment of chronic skin diseases and opens doors for innovative therapeutic strategies in medicine.

Chronic skin conditions

Widespread chronic skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema and atopic dermatitis, the pigmentation disorder vitiligo or white spot disease and circular hair loss (alopecia areata) are difficult to treat. The cause of these conditions is not always fully understood. In addition to hereditary predispositions, environmental exposures induce inflammatory processes in the skin, leading to the symptoms. Depending on the clinical picture, this leads to redness, scaling or loss of pigment or hair. Depending on the severity, the diseases can significantly reduce the quality of life of those affected.

Media Contacts:

Dr. Michael Stuer
High-Performance-Ceramics
Phone +41 58 765 4183
michael.stuer@empa.ch

Claire Bouix-Peter
Aldena Therapeutics
claire.bouix-peter@aldenatherapeutics.com

Dr. Andrea Six
Communications
Phone: +41 58 765 6133
redaktion@empa.ch

SOURCE: EMPA