A joint scientific review published by Oncotelic Therapeutics, Inc. (OTCQB: OTLC) and Sapu Bioscience in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has established sub-15 nm nanoparticles as a new frontier in drug delivery technology. The publication, available at https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms262210842, represents the first comprehensive examination of nanoparticles exclusively within the 5–15 nm range, marking a significant advancement in nanomedicine research.
The review demonstrates how these sub-15 nm systems achieve superior biological performance compared to both small molecules and larger nanocarriers. Their minimal size enables deeper tissue penetration, reduced organ accumulation, faster renal clearance, and enhanced diffusion across critical biological barriers. Particularly noteworthy is their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, opening new possibilities for treating neurological disorders and brain cancers that have historically challenged conventional drug delivery methods.
This breakthrough size regime establishes a new pharmacological paradigm that addresses fundamental limitations in current therapeutic approaches. Larger nanoparticles often face restricted tissue access and prolonged organ retention, while small molecules may lack targeting specificity and suffer from rapid clearance. The sub-15 nm nanoparticles effectively bridge this gap, offering the targeting advantages of nanotechnology with the distribution benefits of smaller compounds.
The implications for patient care are substantial. Enhanced tissue penetration could improve treatment outcomes for solid tumors and fibrotic diseases where drug access has been problematic. Reduced organ accumulation minimizes potential toxicity concerns that have hampered some nanoparticle therapies, while faster clearance reduces long-term exposure risks. The ability to cross biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier could revolutionize treatment for conditions ranging from brain tumors to neurodegenerative diseases.
For the pharmaceutical industry, this research provides a roadmap for developing next-generation therapeutics. The comprehensive analysis available at https://nnw.fm/NSO6l offers valuable insights for researchers and companies working on drug delivery optimization. The establishment of sub-15 nm nanoparticles as a distinct category with unique properties creates new opportunities for patent protection and therapeutic innovation.
The publication comes from Oncotelic Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology and immunotherapy products, working in collaboration with joint venture partner Sapu Bioscience. The research team, led by Dr. Tapas De and including Vuong Trieu, Scott Myers, Sanjive Qazi, Saran Saund, and Cynthia Lee, has provided a foundational framework that could accelerate development across multiple therapeutic areas.
As nanomedicine continues to evolve, the identification of this optimal size range represents a critical milestone. The research establishes clear parameters for future development while addressing key safety and efficacy concerns that have limited broader adoption of nanoparticle-based therapies. This advancement positions sub-15 nm nanoparticles as a promising platform for addressing some of medicine's most challenging delivery problems.
