prednisolone (Leiden University Medical Center)

Nanocort is a liposomal formulation of prednisolone phosphate, a synthetic glucocorticoid, designed for targeted delivery to sites of inflammation and vascular injury. Developed by Enceladus Pharmaceuticals in collaboration with Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Nanocort was the subject of the LIPMAT Phase 2 clinical trial, which investigated its efficacy in promoting the maturation of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) in patients with end-stage renal disease. The drug works by activating the glucocorticoid receptor to exert potent anti-inflammatory effects, specifically aiming to reduce neointimal hyperplasia and venous remodeling that often lead to AVF failure. The liposomal encapsulation (typically using long-circulating, PEGylated liposomes) allows the prednisolone to accumulate preferentially at the surgical site due to the enhanced permeability and retention-like effect in inflamed vasculature, thereby maximizing local therapeutic impact while minimizing systemic corticosteroid toxicity.

Brand names

Nanocort

Other names

liposomal prednisolone phosphateliposomal prednisoloneLIP-P