Orally Delivered Stimulus‐Sensitive Nanomedicine to Harness Teduglutide Efficacy in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Glucagon‐like peptide‐2 (GLP‐2) analogs possess high potential in the treatment of IBD by enhancing intestinal repair and attenuating inflammation. Due to the enzymatic degradation and poor intestinal absorption, GLP‐2 analogs are administered parenterally, which leads to poor patient compliance. This work aims to develop IBD‐targeted nanoparticles (NPs) for the oral delivery of the GLP‐2 analog, Teduglutide (TED). Leveraging the overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the IBD environment, ROS‐sensitive NPs are developed to target the intestinal epithelium, bypassing the mucus barrier. PEGylation of NPs facilitates mucus transposition, but subsequent PEG removal is crucial for cellular internalization. This de‐PEGylation is possible by including a ROS‐sensitive thioketal linker within the system. ROS‐sensitive NPs are established, with the ability to fully de‐PEGylate via ROS‐mediated cleavage. Encapsulation of TED into NPs resulted in the absence of absorption in 3D in vitro models, potentially promoting a localized action, and avoiding adverse effects due to systemic absorption. Upon oral administration to colitis‐induced mice, ROS‐sensitive NPs are located in the colon, displaying healing capacity and reducing inflammation. Cleavable PEGylated NPs demonstrate effective potential in managing IBD symptoms and modulating the disease's progression.