Targeted drug carriers proposed for obesity in mice
The experimental carriers combined two drugs intended to remove senescent cells, which have stopped dividing, and targeted cells with high levels of a surface protein.
Limit: The abstract reports no measured changes in insulin sensitivity, inflammation, or senescent-cell numbers
Edited by Boris Djordjevic · AgingResearch.News
In an animal study involving mice with obesity induced by a high-fat diet, researchers developed tiny drug carriers called nanoparticles. They targeted uPAR, a protein on the cell surface whose increased levels are associated with inflammation and impaired fat tissue in obesity and aging.
The researchers packaged dasatinib and quercetin, two drugs used to eliminate senescent cells, inside the carriers. Senescence is a state in which cells stop dividing. The authors described the delivery approach as improving drug stability and increasing accumulation in cells with high uPAR levels. They proposed it as a strategy to remove senescent cells, reduce inflammation and restore metabolic balance.
Why it matters
Increased uPAR levels are associated with inflammation and metabolic disturbances in obesity and aging. The authors proposed targeting this protein as a potential strategy for metabolic and age-related disorders.
Caveats
The abstract does not report measured changes in insulin sensitivity, inflammation or senescent-cell numbers. The animal study does not establish benefits in people.
The paper
Yeungnam University
Journal of Controlled Release, Jul 13, 2026, Open access
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