Implantable Depot for Slow Drug Release
Referenznummer TO 03-00070
Challenge
After surgical removal of solid tumours, infiltrating cells from the tumour’s marginal zone often develop to centres of secondary tumour with relapse rates strongly depending on the tumour tissues. Treatment with cytostatics is the state of the art therapy for prevention of secondary tumour progression, usually with severe side effects for the patients. The clinical need for improved secondary tumour suppression is therefore high.
Technology
An implantable agent consisting of liquid crystalline cubic phases that allows constant and slow release of two pharmaceutically effective substances, like Carboplatin and Paclitaxel, with different kinetics. Local embedding of the matrix into tumour areas after surgery provides high effective drug concentrations at the required place of action, thereby reducing side effects and long-time dosing of the drug usually required in systemic application.
Commercial Opportunity
Exclusive in-licensing opportunity for clinical development and application
Developmental Status
Pre-clinical mouse data show an increased survival upon drug application (Figure). Release and diffusion kinetics of the drugs as well as tumour growth reduction upon treatment were detected. In a prospective clinical study on feasibility, safety and short-term effects in glioblastoma patients with a Paclitaxel/Carboplatin depot, the differential release kinetic of both drugs was observed. Side effects like brain edema observed depend on drug concentrations in the matrix.
Patent Situation
Granted European Patent (EP 1204407, validated in AT, BE, CH, DE, DK, ES, FR, GB, IE, IT, NL, SE) and pending applications in USA (10/048,840), Canada (2,378,401) and Japan (2003-506397).
Further Reading
Von Eckardstein et al., J. Neurooncol., 2005, 74(3), 305-309.
Von Eckardstein et al., J Neurooncol., 2005, 72(3), 205-215
