Schematic Structure of an Antibody-Drug Conjugate (ADC) (en.wikipedia.org)
Invention Summary:
Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) is an essential enzyme in mammalian cells and is a validated target for the treatment of human cancers. Topotecan and irinotecan (camptothecin analogues) are two FDA approved Top1-targeted drugs. Despite being powerful anticancer drugs, camptothecin derivatives exhibit clinical limitations due to the instability of their α-hydroxylactone six-membered E-ring structure. Genz-644282 is a novel non-camptothecin topoisomerase I inhibitor developed by Rutgers scientists. Genz-644282 has consistently exhibited cytotoxicity against human tumor cell at IC50 concentrations at or below 1.0 nM. Unlike camptothecin based topoisomerase I targeting agents, Genz-644282 has been shown not to be a substrate for efflux transporters associated with multidrug resistance as observed in human tumors. Studies in tumor-bearing laboratory animals have demonstrated that Genz-644282 is approximately 20-fold more potent as an antitumor agent than irinotecan. An Investigational New Drug (IND) application has been approved by the FDA and a Phase I study for Genz-644282 has been completed.
New technology developed at Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy is related to specific prodrug derivatives of Genz-644282 and their antibody drug conjugates (with self-immolative linkers) that will further increase tumor specificity.
The advantage of this technology is that the active principal of the antibody drug conjugate is already well established. And Phase I study with the “active pharmaceutical ingredient” (API) of these prodrugs or the war-head of the ADC has been completed.
Market Applications:
- Chemotherapy
- Oncology
- Cancer Treatment
Advantages:
- Targeted delivery.
- IND application has been approved by FDA for the parent compound (Genz-644282) of these pro-drugs.
- Phase I clinical trial has been completed for the parent compound (Genz-644282).
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Multiple patent applications pending. Available for licensing and/or for research collaboration.
