New Research on COVID-19 Treatment: Developing Efficacious Nebulized Camostat Mesylate Loaded Nanoliposomes

Strategic Insights -

New research published in AAPS PharmSciTech has made significant progress in developing a treatment for COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The study, conducted by a team of researchers from Mercer University, focused on creating a nebulized Camostat Mesylate (Camo) loaded nanoliposome (Camo-pegNLs) for direct lung delivery to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection. The researchers aimed to overcome the limitations of oral Camo delivery, including limited absorption, side effects, and enzymatic breakdown in the gut.

Key Takeaways:

  • The research team developed Camo-pegNLs, which were composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE-PEG, MW2000) and cholesterol, using the ethanol injection technique and syringe pump.
  • The Camo-pegNLs had a particle size of 167.50 ± 0.90 nm, zeta potential of 0.48 ± 0.04 mV, and polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.07 ± 0.01.
  • The quantity of entrapped Camo was found to be 44.86 ± 1.35%w/v, and the drug loading was 27.41 ± 0.04%w/w.
  • The Camo-pegNL-2 had an extended release of up to 24 h, mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of 4.295 ± 0.1 μm, geometric standard deviation (GSD) of 1.915 ± 0.064, and fine particle fraction (FPF) of 42.01% ± 6.90.
  • The Camo-pegNLs showed a significant antiviral effect on Vero cells compared to the no treatment group (p < 0.05).
  • The study concluded that an efficacious nebulized Camo-pegNLs suspension product was successfully developed for direct lung delivery to treat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Statistics:

  • 44.86 ± 1.35%w/v: quantity of entrapped Camo in Camo-pegNLs
  • 27.41 ± 0.04%w/w: drug loading of Camo-pegNLs
  • 167.50 ± 0.90 nm: particle size of Camo-pegNLs
  • 0.48 ± 0.04 mV: zeta potential of Camo-pegNLs
  • 0.07 ± 0.01: polydispersity index (PDI) of Camo-pegNLs
  • 4.295 ± 0.1 μm: mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of Camo-pegNL-2
  • 1.915 ± 0.064: geometric standard deviation (GSD) of Camo-pegNL-2
  • 42.01% ± 6.90: fine particle fraction (FPF) of Camo-pegNL-2
  • p < 0.05: statistical significance of antiviral effect of Camo-pegNLs

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Mercer University Has Provided New Data on COVID-19 (Formulation and in - vitro Testing of Nebulized Camostat Mesylate Loaded Nanoliposomes for the Treatment of Sars-cov-2 Infection). News of Science. June 15, 2025; p 89.
  • Formulation and in - vitro Testing of Nebulized Camostat Mesylate Loaded Nanoliposomes for the Treatment of Sars-cov-2 Infection. AAPS PharmSciTech, 2025;26(5).