# How Special Nanoparticles Deliver Cancer Drugs Directly to Tumors > This patent describes tiny fat-based particles, called lipid nanoparticles, designed to carry cancer drugs directly to tumor cells using a special protein (ApoE3) on their surface, avoiding a common, potentially problematic ingredient. - **Patent:** US 20190046446 - **Original title:** Apo-e modified lipid nanoparticles for drug delivery to targeted tissues and therapeutic methods - **Owner:** Eriochem Usa - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 8 - **Field:** pharmaceutical, biotech, drug_delivery, oncology ## What it does This patent describes a tiny, engineered package called a lipid nanoparticle for delivering therapeutic agents. This nanoparticle has a core made of fats like cholesterol ester and triglycerides (Claim 1, 4), surrounded by a phospholipid layer. A key feature is the human recombinant ApoE3 protein bonded to its surface (Claim 1), which acts like a guide to target specific cells. Importantly, this ApoE3 bonding happens without using Polysorbate 80 (Claim 1), an ingredient sometimes associated with adverse reactions. The nanoparticle is precisely sized (between 20 and 150 nm) and has specific electrical and uniformity properties (Claim 1). For example, it can carry an anticancer drug like Docetaxel (Claim 10) and deliver it more effectively to cancer cells, showing a lower IC50 and higher selectivity compared to the drug's original formulation (Claim 10, 11). ## What it does NOT cover - Lipid nanoparticles that use Polysorbate 80 to bond ApoE3 to their surface (Claim 1). - Nanoparticles outside the specified size range of 20 to 150 nanometers (Claim 1). - Nanoparticles with a Z-potential outside the range of -25 to -5 millivolts (Claim 1). - Nanoparticles with a PDI dispersion value outside the range of 0.08 to 0.30 (Claim 1). - Drug delivery systems that do not incorporate human recombinant ApoE3 as the apolipoprotein component (Claim 1). - Nanoparticles where the therapeutic agent is not dissolved within the lipid core (Claim 7). ## The clever bit The clever aspect is the precise engineering of a lipid nanoparticle that incorporates human recombinant ApoE3 on its surface for targeted delivery, specifically ensuring this attachment occurs without the use of Polysorbate 80. This combination aims to enhance drug efficacy and reduce formulation-related side effects. ## Real-world examples 1. Targeted chemotherapy formulations for various cancers 2. Improved drug delivery systems for potent anticancer drugs 3. Nanoparticle-based therapies designed to cross biological barriers ## Why it matters Targeted drug delivery is a critical area in medicine, especially for cancer treatment, as it aims to increase drug effectiveness while reducing harmful side effects on healthy tissues. This patent offers a method to improve the delivery of potent drugs like Docetaxel by making them more selective for cancer cells. The specific exclusion of Polysorbate 80 addresses a known formulation challenge, potentially leading to safer and more effective drug products. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does How Special Nanoparticles Deliver Cancer Drugs Directly to Tumors cover? This patent describes tiny fat-based particles, called lipid nanoparticles, designed to carry cancer drugs directly to tumor cells using a special protein (ApoE3) on their surface, avoiding a common, potentially problematic ingredient. ### Who owns patent US 20190046446? This patent is owned by Eriochem Usa. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 28, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 20190046446 cited by? This patent has been cited by 8 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? Targeted drug delivery is a critical area in medicine, especially for cancer treatment, as it aims to increase drug effectiveness while reducing harmful side effects on healthy tissues. This patent offers a method to improve the delivery of potent drugs like Docetaxel by making them more selective for cancer cells. The specific exclusion of Polysorbate 80 addresses a known formulation challenge, potentially leading to safer and more effective drug products. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Lipid nanoparticles that use Polysorbate 80 to bond ApoE3 to their surface (Claim 1). **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20190046446/apo-e-modified-lipid-nanoparticles-for-drug-delivery-to-targeted-tissues-and-the **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20190046446 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Targeting Drugs to Specific Body Tissues Using ApoE3-Coated Nanoparticles](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20190307892/targeted-drug-delivery-and-therapeutic-methods-using-apo-e-modified-lipid-nanopa) — This patent describes a method to deliver drugs or diagnostic agents precisely to target cells or tissues, including the brain, by packaging them inside tiny fat particles (lipid nanoparticles) coated with a special protein called ApoE3. - [Tiny Lipid Balls for Precise, Better-Absorbed Cannabinoid Medicine](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20220304938/lipid-nanoparticle-compositions-and-methods-as-carriers-of-cannabinoids-in-stand) — This patent describes a drug delivery system using tiny lipid nanoparticles to encapsulate cannabinoids, making them easier for the body to absorb and allowing for precise, smaller doses. - [How to Build Tiny Lipid Capsules to Deliver Genetic Medicines](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10155945/method-of-producing-lipid-nanoparticles-for-drug-delivery) — A precise method for creating small, stable lipid bubbles that safely carry genetic material like siRNA into cells for medical treatment. - [Targeted Platinum Drugs for Cancer Treatment](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9884123/ligand-targeted-molecules-and-methods-thereof) — This patent describes a way to deliver platinum-based cancer drugs directly to tumor cells by attaching them to a special 'ligand' molecule that seeks out cancer cell markers. - [How Tiny Particles Make CBD Easier to Absorb](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11260033/compositions-for-the-delivery-of-therapeutic-agents-and-methods-of-use-and-makin) — This patent describes a special mix of ingredients that creates tiny, stable CBD particles, making it easier for the body to absorb the compound and improving how long it lasts in the body.