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A recently developed inhibitor of retrograde transport, namely Retro-2.1, proved to be a potent and broad-spectrum lead in vitro against intracellular pathogens, such as toxins, parasites, intracellular bacteria and viruses. To circumvent its low aqueous solubility, a formulation in poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(D,L)lactide micelle nanoparticles was developed. This formulation enabled the study of the pharmacokinetic parameters of Retro-2.1 in mice following intravenous and intraperitoneal injections, revealing a short blood circulation time, with an elimination half-life of 5 and 6.7 h, respectively. To explain the poor pharmacokinetic parameters, the metabolic stability of Retro-2.1 was studied in vitro and in vivo, revealing fast cytochrome-P-450-mediated metabolism into a less potent hydroxylated analogue. Subcutaneous injection of Retro-2.1 formulated in a biocompatible and bioresorbable polymer-based thermosensitive hydrogel allowed for sustained release of the drug, with an elimination half-life of 19 h, and better control of its metabolism. This study provides a guideline on how to administer this promising lead in vivo in order to study its efficacy.

A recently developed inhibitor of the retrograde transport, namely Retro-2.1, proved to be a potent and broad-spectrum lead in vitro against intracellular pathogens such as toxins, parasites, intracellular bacteria, and viruses. In order to circumvent its low aqueous solubility, a formulation in poly(ethylene glycol)-bloc-poly(D,L)lactide micelles was developed. This formulation allowed studying Retro-2.1 pharmacokinetic parameters in mice following intravenous or intraperitoneal injection, revealing a low blood circulation time. To explain these poor pharmacokinetic parameters, Retro-2.1 metabolic stability was studied in vitro and in vivo revealing a fast cytochrome P-450-mediated metabolism into a less potent hydroxylated analog. Subcutaneous injection of Retro-2.1 formulated in a biocompatible and bioresorbable polymer-based thermosensitive hydrogel allowed for a sustained-release of the drug and a better control of its metabolism. This study gives a guideline on how to administer this promising lead in vivo in order to study its efficacy.