Washington State University researchers develop potential endometriosis treatment

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a targeted nanotherapy that shows promise in treating endometriosis. The treatment utilizes a nanoparticle to deliver Niclosamide, a drug typically used to treat tapeworms, directly to affected tissue.

In studies involving mouse models, a single dose of the nanotherapy reduced disease progression and symptoms. This approach aims to address the limitations of current treatments, such as hormonal therapies that can impact bone density and fertility, or surgical interventions that often provide only temporary relief.

The research, published in ‘Advanced Healthcare Materials’, focuses on targeting specific immune cells, namely macrophages, that are associated with the disease. The development was a collaborative effort involving the WSU School of Molecular Biosciences and researchers from the University of Florida.