Pharmacy researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso have made significant strides in developing a nanoparticle treatment for skin and lung fibrosis, conditions that can cause severe damage to the body’s tissues. Dr. Md Nurunnabi, an associate professor in UTEP’s School of Pharmacy, led two studies recently published in the Journal of Controlled Release, focusing on skin and lung fibrosis.

Fibrosis is a condition where tissues in organs like the skin, lungs, liver, or kidneys become thicker and stiffer, leading to various health complications. Dr. Nurunnabi highlighted the importance of addressing fibrosis, especially after observing its impact during the COVID-19 pandemic, where inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs contributed to fatalities.

The research team aimed to develop a nanoparticle that could target cells responsible for fibrosis progression without harming essential cells. By modifying these ‘bad’ cells to stop overproducing collagen, the team successfully rehabilitated them in both laboratory tests and mouse studies.

Autoimmune diseases, viral infections, and chemotherapy can trigger fibrosis by disrupting the body’s natural cell processes. The nanoparticle treatment designed by Dr. Nurunnabi’s team offers a promising solution to combat fibrosis by specifically targeting problematic cells, offering hope for more effective and safer treatments in the future.

This groundbreaking research opens new possibilities for treating fibrosis and underscores the potential of nanotechnology in addressing complex medical conditions. The studies conducted by UTEP researchers mark a significant advancement in the field of pharmacy and hold promise for improving patient outcomes in fibrosis-related diseases.