Choline geranate (CAGE): A multifaceted ionic liquid for drug delivery
- PMID: 39427776
- DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.10.034
Choline geranate (CAGE): A multifaceted ionic liquid for drug delivery
Abstract
Ionic liquids, organic salts in a liquid state below 100 °C, have traditionally been associated with industrial applications. Recent research has introduced a new generation of ionic liquids, designed from biocompatible ions, to enable applications in drug delivery. Here, I provide a historical perspective, development status and applications of a leading example of biocompatible ionic liquids, a salt of Choline And Geranic acid (CAGE). Since its first report in 2014, CAGE has opened multiple drug delivery applications including transdermal, oral, buccal, sustained release, tissue ablation, periodontitis and hand hygiene, among others. CAGE-based products have been tested in more than 200 patients through multiple Phase 1 and Phase 2 clinical studies, including successful use in a Phase 2 clinical study in Atopic Dermatitis patients. CAGE became the first 'drug delivery ionic liquid' to enter into clinical trials. This article summarizes the key fundamental and translational aspects of CAGE as pertained to its use in drug delivery.
Keywords: Biolgocal Barriers; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Drug Delivery; Ionic Liquid.
Copyright © 2024 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Conflict of interest statement
Declaration of competing interest SM is a shareholder of Liquideon LLC, Cage Bio (board member), inTumo Therapeutics (board member) and i2o Therapeutics. SM is an inventor on patent applications related to CAGE and ionic liquids (owned and managed by University of California, Santa Barabra and/or Harvard University). Harvard University acknowledges research support from i2o Therapeutics.