Ovarian Cancer Drug Delivery

About

Opportunity A dosage form that facilitates the site-specific delivery of anti-neoplastic agents (anti-cancer agents) to ovarian cancer cells which not only increases bioavailability of the agent but also limits rapid metastatic spread. Ovarian cancer is particularly difficult to treat as it does not present early symptoms and hence is typically diagnosed once it is far progressed. Anti-neoplastic agents are used to treat this cancer but often these have poor bioavailability which reduces their efficacy and can lead to the development of chemo-resistant tumours.  It is clear that there is a need for new methods of treatment that reduce chemo-resistance, increase bioavailability and limit rapid metastatic spread. Wits researchers have developed drug delivery technology which selectively delivers anti-neoplastic agents to a human or animal in need of treatment for ovarian cancer.  This technology makes use of nanoparticles which encapsulate the anti-neoplastic agent and mucin antibodies specific to aberrant mucin expression which provide ovarian cancer cell specificity (given that cancer cells secrete high amounts of cancer-associated mucin). Key Benefits Ovarian cancer cell specificity Increased bioavailability of anti-neoplastic agents Limitation of metastatic spread Reduced side effects Improved treatment outcomes Current Status Limited animal studies have been conducted. Applications Improved delivery of anti-neoplastic agents to treat ovarian cancer. Registered Intellectual Property Status This technology is the subject of pending patent applications in USA, Europe, China, ARIPO, India and a granted patent in South Africa. Lifetime of patent remaining: 16 years Likely Route to Market The technology will ideally be licensed to a pharmaceutical company. Funding/Licensee Required Licensees and/or partners are sought to evaluate and conduct phase I,II, and III clinical trials.