Zn2(Olsa) + pentamidine

Zn2(Olsa) + PTM (pentamidine) is an experimental colon-targeted oral drug delivery system developed for the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It consists of a metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoneedle synthesized from zinc ions and the anti-inflammatory prodrug olsalazine (Zn2(Olsa)), which serves as a carrier for the S100B inhibitor pentamidine (PTM). The system is designed to target hyperactive enteric glial cells (EGCs) in the inflamed gut to disrupt the proinflammatory feedback loop driven by S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100B) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). By inhibiting S100B and scavenging ROS, the nanosystem restores mucosal barrier integrity and immune homeostasis. Additionally, the olsalazine framework acts as a self-delivering prodrug that releases 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) upon framework disassembly in the colon. Preclinical studies in murine models, often utilizing an enteric-coated version (ZOP@Eud), have demonstrated significant amelioration of disease severity.

Other names

pentamidine-loaded zinc-olsalazine metal-organic frameworkpentamidine-loaded olsalazine-based nanoneedleZn2(Olsa) + PTM