We are pleased to announce that the Nano4Seizure project has been awarded a prestigious grant from TÜBİTAK and NIMAD to support the development of an innovative nanotechnology-based approach for the treatment of pediatric seizures.
This international collaboration between Turkiye and Iran aims to address the limitations of current seizure treatments by advancing lipid nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems that enhance the transport of midazolam to the brain, ultimately improving therapeutic efficacy.
Seizures are among the most common neurological disorders in children, with fever-induced episodes affecting a significant portion of the pediatric population. Despite extensive research, epilepsy remains an incurable condition, and existing treatments primarily focus on symptom management rather than prevention. Midazolam, a widely used benzodiazepine, is an effective intervention for seizure control but faces major challenges in reaching the brain due to the restrictive nature of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This limitation significantly affects its efficacy in emergency settings, where rapid action is crucial.
The Nano4Seizure project aims to overcome these challenges by designing and optimizing lipid nanoparticles to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic potential of midazolam. By integrating nanotechnology with advanced drug delivery systems, this research has the potential to transform seizure management, particularly in pediatric patients, where timely intervention is critical for preventing long-term neurological consequences. The project will systematically evaluate the nanoparticle formulations, beginning with synthesis and characterization to ensure high encapsulation efficiency and controlled drug release. Dr. Nihal Aydogan of Hacettepe University emphasizes the importance of lipid nanostructures: " Lipid nanostructures offer significant advantages in the delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients, and they also have important benefits in 'Nose-to-Brain' drug delivery due to their semi-elastic structures. Investigating the performance of specially designed lipid structures in in vitro and in vivo models will provide crucial findings for seizure control."
To enhance the physiological relevance of the study, the project will incorporate an in vitro epilepsy-on-a-chip model, developed in a previous TÜBİTAK-2535 bilateral project, enabling precise monitoring of neuronal activity while minimizing reliance on animal models. Dr. Nur Mustafaoglu, principal investigator from Sabancı University, underscores the significance of human cell-based in vitro models in biomedical research: "Human cell-based in vitro models play a critical role in understanding disease mechanisms, especially for brain diseases such as epilepsy, where access to human tissue is highly limited. By creating physiologically relevant models, we can bridge the gap between preclinical research and clinical applications, reducing the reliance on animal models and accelerating the translation of innovative therapies into patient care." The most promising formulations will then be assessed in vivo using an acute seizure model in rats, where intranasal administration will be employed to facilitate direct drug delivery to the brain, bypassing the BBB.
Building upon the success of a prior NIMAD-TÜBİTAK-funded collaboration, this initiative brings together leading researchers from Turkey and Iran. The Turkish team, coordinated by Dr. Nur Mustafaoglu from Sabancı University, includes Dr. Nihal Aydogan, whose expertise in nasal drug delivery plays a crucial role in optimizing the formulation. The Iranian team, led by Prof. Nasrollah Tabatabaei, benefits from the expertise of Dr. Seyed Javad Mirnajafizadeh, specializing in epilepsy and brain electrophysiology, and Dr. Seyed Behnamedin Jameie, whose research focuses on neuroanatomy and brain-targeted drug delivery. Highlighting the importance of international collaboration, Prof. Nasrollah Tabatabaei states, "The Nano4Seizure project is an internationally collaborative effort between Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS) and Sabancı University, uniting expertise in nanomedicine, pharmacology, and neuroscience to develop an innovative intranasal lipid nanoparticle formulation for rapid seizure control. Hosted at TUMS, a leading institution in medical sciences, and supported by SATiM—a hub for cutting-edge biomedical research—this project integrates in vitro seizure-on-a-chip models with in vivo testing to advance targeted drug delivery to the brain. By fostering international cooperation, we aim to bridge scientific expertise across borders, driving forward novel, accessible, and effective treatments for pediatric and acute seizures."
The expected impact of this project extends beyond improving seizure management in pediatric patients. By enhancing drug bioavailability and accelerating therapeutic response, this work has the potential to reduce drug resistance, minimize adverse effects, and pave the way for clinical translation and commercialization. The methodologies developed through this research may also contribute to broader advancements in neuropharmacology and precision medicine, offering innovative approaches for treating other neurological disorders.
The Nano4Seizure project represents a significant step toward addressing the urgent need for more effective seizure interventions. By fostering international collaboration and leveraging cutting-edge technology, this initiative holds promise for improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for children affected by epilepsy.
We look forward to sharing further developments and engaging with the scientific and medical communities to ensure the successful translation of this research into clinical practice.