M. D. Anderson Cancer Center’s patents focus on the injection of biologically-active proteins, polypeptides, and peptides into targeted cells.
Introgen Therapeutics obtained the exclusive, worldwide license to a portfolio of patents from the University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center focused on the delivery of biologically-active proteins, polypeptides, and peptides using nanoparticle delivery complexes. The technology has demonstrated substantial therapeutic efficacy against human lung cancers in animal models, states Introgen.
The licensed technology is directed toward specially-designed, systemically-delivered nanoparticles that carry and deliver therapeutic, bioactive proteins, polypeptides, and peptides to targeted cells, such as cancer cells. While peptides alone may be rapidly removed from circulation, requiring frequent administration and high doses, nanoparticle-polypeptide formulations can increase therapeutic activity and protect against the rapid degradation normally associated with peptide therapy, according to the company. In addition, these peptide nanoparticles can include special targeting molecules to further enhance cellular uptake and to improve therapeutic efficacy.
Introgen currently has three therapeutic nanoparticle product candidates: INGN 402 (nanoparticle p53), INGN 403 (nanoparticle mda-7), and INGN 401 (nanoparticle FUS-1) currently in Phase 1 testing for metastatic lung cancer.