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Robert M. Weiss

MD, FACS, FAAP
Donald Guthrie Professor of Urology

Contact Information

Robert M. Weiss, MD, FACS, FAAP

Mailing Address

  • Urology

    PO Box 208058

    New Haven, CT 06520-8058

    United States

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Research Summary

We are involved in using nano-particle delivery systems to diagnose and treat diseases of the urinary system with special emphasis on benign and malignant diseases of the bladder. These studies, which are presently focused on diagnosing and treating bladder and prostate cancer utilizing nano-particles loaded with specifically targeted siRNAs are directed by Darryl T. Martin, PhD. In addition we are studying the pharmacology and physiology on ureteral-vesical smooth muscle.

Specialized Terms: muscle pharmacology; Signal transduction; Bladder cancer; Drug delivery

Extensive Research Description

The Proof of Concept that we are testing is that intravesical instillation of small interference RNA (siRNA) packaged in biodegradable nanospheres provides wide opportunities for the treatment of urologic diseases including transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (TCC), interstitial cystitis (IC), overactive bladder, and detrusor hyperreflexia.

Because of their robust, gene selective silencing of target protein expression, siRNA oligonucleotides are an attractive therapeutic option with high selectivity and specificity and minimal toxicity to neighboring cells. siRNAs, however, have a relatively short half-life and thus we are addressing the stabilization and intravesical delivery of siRNAs. To achieve this goal, we plan to create and test clinically viable, non-viral nanosphere siRNA complexes that are intravesically
instilled for treatment of diseases of the urinary tract.

We plan to develop and test a number of nanoparticle controlled release systems containing targeting proteins that will stabilize and deliver siRNAs and drugs and initially test these on bladder cancers

Using nanospheres that contain siRNAs to survivin in combination with chemotherapeutic agents to affect growth and spread of bladder cancer in in vitro and in vivo animal models

Use of nanoparticles for localization and treatment of prostatic carcinoma in a in vivo animal model.

Coauthors

Research Interests

Urinary Bladder Neoplasms; Pharmacology; Urology; Signal Transduction

Selected Publications

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