Aonys
Aonys® provides a highly efficient delivery mechanism to both metal ions and other pharmacologically active molecules, increasing cellular bioavailability significantly allowing lower administered doses and thus reducing toxic effects due to accumulation.
Aonys is administered to the buccal mucosal membranes and is rapidly absorbed.
Reverse Micelle System
Aonys consists of water nanodroplets dispersed in a lipidic medium forming a single phase microemulsion stabilised by a highly specific tensioactive agents. In their natural state, the aqueous core of each nanodroplet measures 1nm in diameter providing a highly particular physical environment in which metal ions or small organic molecules may exist. Incorporation of larger biomolecules such as proteins or nucleic acids involves localised changes in the micellar structure where larger aqueous volumes are formed. The micellar structure is invisible to all microscopical techniques and must be characterised by X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques.
Aonys comprises exclusively pharmacopeia ingredients and therefore is considered harmless.
Aonys for Metal Ion Delivery
Metal elements found in small quantities in food are essential for life and play vital roles in most biochemical pathways.  Numerous metals have been tested for pharmacological activity in a variety of diseases but generally show toxicity before the desired therapeutic effect is observed, limiting their use as pharmaceutical products. Lithium is an exception and efficiently treats a number of psychiatric diseases, although a narrow therapeutic window means doses must be carefully controlled to avoid unwanted side
effects.
Aonys allows massive improvements in cellular availability of metal ions permitting small quantities ( μg) of metal to be administered whilst maintaining a desired pharmacological effect. Previously observed problems observed when administering higher doses of metal are therefore avoided, opening new avenues for the use of metals as highly effective therapies for a variety of diseases.
Aonys for Biomolecule Delivery
Aonys provides a highly protective environment for a range of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. During absorption and circulation within the body, any contact with enzymes or other species liable to destroy these delicate molecules is avoided. For the first time, a real alternative to intravenous or subcutaneous administration of biopharmaceuticals has been found, permitting non-invasive buccal delivery of a host of proteins such as insulin and monoclonal antibodies.
Aonys is already showing great promise in the field of RNA interference (RNAi), providing systemic protection and excellent cellular penetration of nucleotides following buccal absorption.
