On August 18, 2025, Stanford University researchers shared a new way to send drugs exactly where they’re needed in the body using ultrasound and tiny particles called nanoparticles. Published in Nature Nanotechnology, their study showed success in rats, delivering drugs like ketamine to specific brain areas and painkillers to nerves in limbs. Adding 5% sucrose (sugar) to the nanoparticles made them stable yet responsive to ultrasound. An X post from @StanfordMed said, “Sugar-powered nanoparticles deliver drugs with ultrasound—game-changer!”
Sugar to deliver drugs? That’s a sweet idea!
How It Works
The nanoparticles have a polymer shell with a liquid core containing the drug and 5% sucrose. When injected into the bloodstream, they travel everywhere, but ultrasound beams aimed at specific spots release most of the drug only there. This cuts down on side effects by keeping the drug away from other areas. Researcher Raag Airan, Assistant Professor of Radiology at Stanford Medicine, said, “A little bit of sugar makes this work. It maximizes the drug’s effect and minimizes harm.”
Ultrasound targeting drugs? That’s super precise!
Testing in Rats
The team tested the system by comparing rats given regular ketamine injections to those given ketamine in sucrose nanoparticles. With ultrasound aimed at a specific brain area, the nanoparticles delivered three times more drug to that spot than elsewhere in the brain. This could mean using ketamine to treat depression without causing unwanted effects like feeling disconnected. The sugar formula made the nanoparticles safer, more stable, and easier to make.
Three times more drug where needed? That’s impressive!
Why It’s a Big Deal
This system could make many drugs safer and more effective, like treating pain or mental health issues with fewer side effects. Unlike earlier versions using complex chemicals, the sugar-based nanoparticles are simpler and work better. If it works in humans, it could change how doctors give medicines. X posts like @NatureNano said, “Stanford’s ultrasound drug delivery with sugar nanoparticles—future of medicine!”
Safer drugs with sugar? This could change lives!
What’s Next
The researchers want to test this in humans to see if it can deliver drugs like ketamine for depression or painkillers for specific nerves without side effects. More studies will check if the system works for other medicines too. X users like @HealthTechNews posted, “Stanford’s sugar nanoparticles could revolutionize drug delivery!” Are you excited about this new tech? What do you think it could do? Tell me!