Friday November 27 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Friday November 27 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Improvement to immunotherapy made possible through modified ricin toxin The therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies has been exploited by the development of immunotherapeutic approaches. These allow the targeting of chemotherapies, isotopes or toxins to tumor cells whether they be residual cells left after surgical intervention or metastatic cells. This approach is highly exciting since the unfavorable side effect profile of many cancer therapies prevents their use in disseminated tumors. The field has progressed significantly since it's conceptualization. Improved antigen selection has allowed more specific tumor targeting while the development of single-chain Fv fragments of larger antibodies has allowed improved penetration of solid tumors. Two types of toxin payloads frequently fused to the targeting antibody are the truncated form of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE38) and ricin toxin. One particular problem associated with toxin use is their extreme toxicity and the fact that clearance depends on actual elimination or metabolism. Improving the tumor specificity of toxins would reduce the risk of side-effects resulting from the release of unconjugated molecules from dying cancer cells. (Click here for a full overview of this field). Chinese scientists have recently addressed this problem by making improvements to ricin toxin. This toxin was modified with N-succinimidyl3(2-pyridyldithio) propionate and a heterobifunctional cross-linker to produce a potent and specific killer of hepatocellular cancer cells. This variant was 2-fold more potent as a killer of cancer cells yet hepatic side effects were 3-fold less severe compared to ricin. This molecule could therefore represent a great improvement to immunotherapies based on ricin toxin. Modification of ricin and its hepatotoxicity and activity against hepatocellular cancer in mice. Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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