Pullulan Nanoparticle (PNP)

Pullulan Nanoparticle (PNP) is a nanoparticle consisting of cholesterol-modified pullulan polysaccharide. PNP is formed by self-assembly of cholesterol-modified pullulan through hydrophobic interaction between cholesterol groups. Pullulan is a biologically inert polysaccharide isolated from mould and is widely used as an additive for drugs and foods. PNP can encapsulate various payloads including hydrophobic small molecules, peptides and proteins and can be administered by intravenous, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injection.

PNP functions as a drug delivery system (DDS) that specifically transport therapeutic payloads to disease- and vaccination-associated, DC-SIGN-expressing macrophages and dendritic cells. This targeting is achieved thought selective binding of pullulan polysaccharide to the sugar-sensing immune receptor DC-SIGN.

Key advantages:

Selective delivery of therapeutic payloads to DC-SIGN-expressing macrophages and dendritic cells.
Biologically inert and high safety profile
No antigenicity enabling multiple dosing
Simple manufacturing process