Wisconsin Scientists Improve Protein-Based Drug Stability

MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Scientists at the a Wisconsin university have created a mineral coating that mimics bone and keeps protein-based drugs more stable.

The Wisconsin State Journal reports protein-based drugs are used to treat bone disorders, kidney disease, wounds, arthritis, and cancer, but frequently degrade, which limits their therapeutic potential.

University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists were inspired by a 2010 report about DNA extracted from a 19,000-year-old emu shell to sue growth factors to improve proteins used in medical applications.

A mineral coating is constructed at the miniature level of biology known as the nanoscale. The coating released a protein called fibroblast growth factor, which remained active for more than  month in a lab dish.

When the protein is released through a commonly used polymer system, it stayed active for less than a week.