Nanoemulsion formulation of Abatacept for lupus nephritis therapy

Purpose: To formulate a nanoemulsion preparation of abatacept and evaluate its treatment efficacy in a C57BL/6 J mouse model of lupus nephritis (LN). Methods: An abatacept nanoemulsion formulation was prepared using coarse homogenization followed by high-energy ultrasonication. The formulation was assessed for particle size and charge, morphology, and stability. C57BL/6 J mice treated with pristane (to create a mouse model of LN) received subcutaneous injections of the abatacept formulation, and the in vivo efficacy and immunological profiles were evaluated. Results: The mean diameter of the nanoglobules ranged from 110 to 148 nm with a polydispersity index of < 1, and the formulation was stable for 3 months at 22 - 28 degrees C. The LN-model mice that were treated with the nanoemulsion formulation of abatacept showed a marked reduction in immune complexes, improved renal function and decreased expression of IL-4 and IFN-gamma compared with untreated LN-model mice. Conclusion: The nanoemulsion formulation of abatacept is a promising agent in the treatment of refractory LN. A systematic clinical trial is necessary to establish its long-term efficacy.