[nanoPost] Therapeutics from its polymeric nanoparticle technology platform

Company USA

Currently developing proprietary nanoparticles that combine diagnostic, drug and device capabilities to better detect, characterize and treat cancer. The nanoparticles approximate the size and tumor-targeting capabilities of monoclonal antibodies. The nanoparticles are also comprised of magnetic crystals which enable several functions, including the use of MRI to track nanoparticles in the body.

Nanoparticles contain iron oxide crystal cores and are fabricated to a desired size, typically about 25 nm in diameter with an exceptionally narrow size distribution.

The nanoparticles approximate the size and tumor-targeting capabilities of monoclonal antibodies. The nanoparticles are also comprised of magnetic crystals which enable several functions. Existing MRI equipment can be used to track nanoparticle location in patients, thus enabling tumor detection and verification of nanoparticle accumulation in tumors.

The magnetic core can also be energized to increase particle penetration into tumors, release a chemotherapeutic payload, and activate the immune system. Chemotherapeutics are selected from commercialized compounds that have demonstrated anti-cancer potency. The nanoparticles combine diagnostic, drug and device capabilities to better detect, diagnose and treat cancer.

The company uses targeting agents to direct particles to diseased tissues and to increase uptake into diseased cells. Multiple copies of a particular targeting agent are attached to a single particle, producing a multivalent structure. Such structures can exhibit large increases in binding affinity and potency compared to monomeric agents due to avidity.

The company is using small molecules, peptides, and antibody fragments as ligands. By including a magnetic core in the product, the nanoparticles can be further targeted using an external magnet. By using an alternating magnetic field, the particles can be heated locally to aid in destroying tumors and to enhance release of the chemotherapeutic.