Improved Controlled Release and Brain Penetration of the Small Molecule S14 Using PLGA Nanoparticles

Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) is an enzyme responsible for the degradation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), an important cellular messenger. PDE7's role in neurotransmission, expression profile in the brain and the druggability of other phosphodiesterases have motivated the search for potent inhibitors to treat neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. Different heterocyclic compounds have been described over the years; among them, phenyl-2-thioxo-(1H)-quinazolin-4-one, called S14, has shown very promising results in different in vitro and in vivo studies. Recently, polymeric nanoparticles have been used as new formulations to target specific organs and produce controlled release of certain drugs. In this work, we describe poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)-based polymeric nanoparticles loaded with S14. Their preparation, optimization, characterization and in vivo drug release profile are here presented as an effort to improve pharmacokinetic properties of this interesting PDE7 inhibitor.

Automated summary

Phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) is an enzyme responsible for degrading cAMP, an important cellular messenger, making the search for potential PDE7 inhibitors a hot topic in treating neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases. S14, a potential PDE7 inhibitor, has shown promising results in studies, while polymeric nanoparticles loaded with S14 have been developed for targeted drug delivery and controlled release. These advancements aim to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of this interesting PDE7 inhibitor.