The NEMESIS project: Nanoparticle Engineering for MiRNA EncapSulation in Intervertebral diSc regenerative strategies – NEMESIS

The degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD), at the origin of many cases of low back pain, is characterized by a degradation of the IVD extracellular matrix and a loss of IVD role in spine kinematic. There is currently no etiological treatment for these disorders. Our better understanding of the role of microRNAs (miR) in the physiopathology of IVDs allow to explore their use as therapeutics. miR are easily degraded and must be protected to reach their target. The NEMESIS project thus aims to develop peptide-functionalized lipid nanocapsules (fLNC) for the intradiscal delivery of miR155. The fLNC-miR155 will be successively produced, characterized and then tested in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo in a preclinical model of IVD degeneration in sheep. Finally, a clinical trial in dog with chronic discogenic low back pain will be conducted to provide clinical proof of this new concept. NEMESIS will associate 2 INSERM laboratories and the veterinary school of Nantes.