A prime example of NanoBiology focus is our first technological application, the Nanocell. Licensed exclusively from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, our pharmacy utilizes its proprietary Nanocell technology to develop multi-compartmental nanoparticle-based therapeutics. These therapeutics package two or more drugs with varied release times within the Nanocell, enabling sequential delivery of the drugs, optimizing location, timing, and the combined effect of two therapies while minimizing toxicities.
The potential of the Nanocell technology was underscored by preclinical data published in the journal Nature in July 2005. In the study, researchers designed a Nanocell that preferentially targeted a cancerous tumor. The Nanocell then released a vascular targeting drug, causing the vascular network to collapse and trapping the nanoparticle within the tumor, followed by the subsequent release of a potent anti-tumor drug.
The study results were remarkable, demonstrating:
- Through concentrating and trapping the two drugs in the tumor, the Nanocell dramatically inhibited tumor growth in mice and extended survival time compared to other drugs and drug combinations.
- Greater efficacy was observed when both drugs were delivered within the Nanocell compared to the individual drugs administered in combination, illustrating the advantage of using the Nanocell to deliver combinations of drugs.
- Furthermore, data on white blood cell counts indicated that the Nanocell format also offers a safety advantage compared to positive controls.
- Lastly, data in the Nature paper demonstrated that the unique format of the Nanocell has the potential to overcome resistance mechanisms of cancer.
Based on these exciting and persuasive data, which showcase the potential to achieve unparalleled efficacy and safety, our Canadian medstore is working swiftly to complete additional preclinical studies with its own Nanocell oncology candidate and plans to initiate human clinical trials in the near future.