Dr. Ayache Bouakaz of Faculty of Medicine at the French National Institute of Health & Medical Research, University of Tours in Tours, France

Ultrasound, in combination with gaseous microbubbles, has come into focus as a potential new drug delivery technology.  Indeed, beyond their exploitation for diagnosis, microbubbles and ultrasound today represent an emerging technology for localized drug delivery.  Recent research shows that under the action of ultrasonic waves, microbubbles transiently perforate biological barriers (e.g. cell membrane, endothelial barrier) thus leading to the uptake and enhanced accumulation of drugs in the targeted region.  Hence, the bioavailability of therapeutic agents is site-specifically augmented only in the zone where the ultrasonic wages are focused.  Commonly referred to as sonoporation, it offers real promises as a drug delivery tool with the potential of alleviating the limitations encountered by traditionally available therapeutic arsenal.  

In this lecture we will discuss how this therapeutic approach developed from basic equation developments (Rayleigh-Plesset) to preclinical evaluation and to clinical proof of concept.  We will show for the first time the results from the recent clinical trial (SONCHIMIO NCT03458975) carried out at the University Hospital in Tours, France.  We will also review on going and future clinical trials in the field of drug delivery using sonoporation.  

Biography:

Dr. Bouakaz is a member of the faculty of medicine in the Department of Imaging and Brain at the French National Institute of Health and Medical Research at the University of Tours in Tours, France.  He is a Distinguished Lecturer for the Ultrasonic, Ferroresonance, and Frequency Control Society for 2023 - 2024.  

Email:

Address:Inserm Imaging & Brain, Faculte de Medecine, 10 Boulevard Tonnelle, Tours, France, 37032