Oleanolic acid is a natural compound derived from plants that has shown strong potential for wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These effects make it a promising option for treating both acute and chronic wounds. However, its clinical use is limited by major technological challenges, especially its low water solubility. Currently, oleanolic acid is delivered using a DMSO-based solution, which is highly cytotoxic. To enable its therapeutic application, it is essential to develop new delivery systems that improve solubility, ensure controlled release, and reduce side effects. In response to this need, researchers from the Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) and the Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) have created a novel formulation that enhances the bioavailability and applicability of oleanolic acid.
This technology is based on forming oleanolic acid (OA)/cyclodextrin complexes to improve OA’s bioavailability. Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharides with a hydrophilic exterior and a hydrophobic interior, allowing them to encapsulate hydrophobic compounds like OA. In this development, specific cyclodextrins have been chemically modified to maximize encapsulation efficiency and facilitate incorporation into cell culture media, as well as potential formulation into creams or other topical products. This delivery system enhances OA’s biological activity in targeted skin cells, enabling a range of applications such as treatments for wounds, eczema, psoriasis, acne, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Through in vitro cellular and biochemical models, the complex has been shown to enhance cell migration and maintain viability, demonstrating superior performance compared to the conventional DMSO-solubilized form of oleanolic acid. A European patent (EP23382932), co-owned by the UCAM, protects the method of preparing the complexes and their potential use in wound healing.
Benefits:
- Improved water solubility and chemical stability of OA, while reducing the toxicity associated to traditional solubility methods.
- High bioavailability through controlled release while maintaining the biological activity of the compound.
- The resulting sterile formulation is suitable for use in both topical applications and in vitro cell line
- The preparation of complexes provides a reproducible method that can be adapted for other bioactive compounds.
- The use of natural ingredients may facilitate regulatory approval.
The represented institution is looking for a collaboration that leads to commercial exploitation of the presented invention.
Institution: Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB) and Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM)
TRL: 2
Protection Status: Patent application
Contacto: Nuria Bas / nuria@viromii.com