Non-viral vectorisation for the targeted delivery of therapeutic and diagnostic agents

Introduction

The technology offers the possibility to conjugate rapidly and efficiently molecules for disease/tissue/receptor targeting with therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. More precisely, the technology is based on the use of a cyclopeptide scaffold that exposes two sides, which can be functionalised selectively. This feature opens up the possibility to link, in a structurally controlled manner, therapeutics and/or diagnostic agents to the appropriate targeting ligand. As part of this design, the platform contains multiple attachment points on each side. Multivalency benefits , e.g. clustering effects resulting from multiple ligand-receptor interactions, can therefore be thoroughly exploited as a result of this technology.

Highly encouraging results have already been obtained in vivo in the diagnosis and imaging of malignant tumours when molecules targeting tumour neo-angiogenesis together with molecules bearing imaging capabilities were conjugated to this scaffold. In addition, multivalency of the targeting ligand (RGD) was highly beneficial with regards to anti-angiogenic effect and significant reduction of tumour growth was observed.

It is believed that this multivalent type of interaction further increases cellular uptake of the conjugated drug, thereby enhancing its efficacy, whilst simultaneously minimising potential side effects. As the technology is based on a highly modular approach, we are seeking partners who are expert in the selective targeting of ligands or are able to provide promising contrast agents for imaging and/or diagnosis.

Key Benefits

• High precision and accuracy in the targeting and delivery of diagnostic
  and/or therapeutic agents.
• Increased tumour penetration and drug uptake.
• Amplified delivery of therapeutic/diagnostic agents.
• Enhanced signal-to-noise ratio in diagnostics.
• Higher degree of accuracy in the diagnosis, imaging, and treatment of cancers.
• Increased speed of diagnosis.
• Increased accuracy of imaging
• Detection of metastases

Potential Applications

• Cancer therapy/oncology
• Targeted pharmaceuticals
• Medical imaging and diagnostics
• Therapeutics
• Radiopharmaceuticals
• MRI technologies

Commercial Opportunities

We are interested in identifying partners wishing to license this highly promising technology.

In addition to licensing opportunities we are also interested in developing research partnerships that will enable the testing of ligands on the RAFT molecule that may result in a variety of new potential applications, be they diagnostically or therapeutically based.

Contact
Nicole Giraud
Tel. +33 (0)4 76 00 78 42
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