Application
A drug-carrying nanoparticle that selectively targets cancer cells.
Key Benefits
- Incorporates an already proven anti-cancer therapeutic.
- Increases deliverability.
- Targets cancer cells.
Market Summary
Tris DBA palladium has been shown to have anti-cancer activity against melanoma and pancreatic cancer. However, Tris DBA has not been optimized for delivery to solid tumors. Emory researchers have demonstrated effective targeting in a highly aggressive model of melanoma, which expresses the tumor stem cell marker CD44. By effectively depleting CD44 positive cells, this drug should be useful in any solid tumor that has high level expression of CD44.
Technical Summary
In order to increase the solubility of Tris DBA palladium, Emory scientists encapsulated the drug in a polymeric nanoparticle. This polymer, hyaluronic acid, not only increases the solubility, but has been shown to bind CD44, which is highly expressed in many solid tumors, including melanoma, breast, lung and pancreatic cancers. This anti-cancer material enhances the efficacy of the therapeutic alone in a mouse model of melanoma. The researchers also demonstrated effective depletion of CD44 positive tumor cells in vivo, and cross resistance is not observed with current approved therapeutic agents for cancer.
Developmental Stage
In vivo and in vitro studies are continuing.
Publication: Elsey, J. et al. (2019). Scientific Reports, 9, 3255.