Invention Summary:
Rutgers scientists have invented a novel treatment strategy that relates to an intravenously (“IV”) administered lung targeted nanoparticle (NP)/ gel microparticle (GMP) delivery system for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The delivery system delivers the chemotherapeutic agent camptothecin (CPT) along with a chemopotentiator. The chemopotentiator potentiates the effect of chemotherapeutic agents through stimulation of oxidative phosphorylation. Our chemopotentiation strategy confers two main advantages: (1) it induces an additive or synergistic cytotoxic/ pro-apoptotic effect on the primary tumor and (2) it allows the use of reduced therapeutic doses of CPT and GMPs, efficiently minimizing lung toxicity. In-vivo data using animal models show that our strategy using NP/GMPs achieve (a) optimal passive lung targeting efficiency, retention and elimination and (b) minimal pulmonary toxicity (structural and functional alterations and inflammation).
Advantages:
Compatibility with approved chemotherapy agents; reduced toxicity; reduced required dosages; adaptable to multiple nanocarrier platforms.
Market Applications:
Therapeutics, Oncology, Cancer, Drug Delivery, Nanocarriers, Pharmacokinetics, NSCLC.
Intellectual Property & Development Status:
Patent pending.