Evaluation of antibody targeted controlled release nanoparticle systems
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch of Pharmacy
Abstract
The overarching objective of this proposal is the pilot evaluation of a novel antibody-drug
delivery technology, developed by the academic partner (Bioconjug Chem. 2008:19(8):1561-
9; Pharm Res. 2008:25(1):135-46), using novel therapeutic antibodies that have been
developed by the industrial partner. Pursuance of this objective will provide the following:
1. Development of the Research Fellow?s research expertise, management and leadership
2. Development of new patent applications around the data produced
3. Technical and commercial evaluation of a new therapeutic approach by the partners
4. Development of a portfolio of data to facilitate future project grant application funding to
agencies such as the MRC
This project builds on the established links between the industrial and academic partners.
These groups have successfully collaborated in the past, producing joint IP, publications in
quality journals (Clinical Cancer Research, Bioconjugate Chemistry and PlosONE), and
ultimately creating jobs and wealth in the local economy. A previous collaboration, focussed
on the transfer of a protein engineering technology from the School of Pharmacy (through a
KTP scheme; awarded A in final report; regional winner 2008), led to the development of a
new bovine TB diagnostic kit by the company, which is currently undergoing evaluation in the
UK and Ireland.
In this current project, the academic partner has developed a novel nanoparticulate drug
delivery system and has already been provided with commercially insensitive antibodies to
test as a proof of principle in vitro by the industrial partner. This project will build on this
base, examining commercially prioritised antibodies (produced using the platform
technologies underpinning the company) in relevant in vivo primary and metastatic tumour
models
We believe that this programme is an ideal mechanism to fund this pilot project, as it not only
provides the scope to undertake the project, but allows the Fellow to learn and champion the
technology, thus developing their own CV, and provides a framework for further funding
opportunities from the MRC such as the DPFS
delivery technology, developed by the academic partner (Bioconjug Chem. 2008:19(8):1561-
9; Pharm Res. 2008:25(1):135-46), using novel therapeutic antibodies that have been
developed by the industrial partner. Pursuance of this objective will provide the following:
1. Development of the Research Fellow?s research expertise, management and leadership
2. Development of new patent applications around the data produced
3. Technical and commercial evaluation of a new therapeutic approach by the partners
4. Development of a portfolio of data to facilitate future project grant application funding to
agencies such as the MRC
This project builds on the established links between the industrial and academic partners.
These groups have successfully collaborated in the past, producing joint IP, publications in
quality journals (Clinical Cancer Research, Bioconjugate Chemistry and PlosONE), and
ultimately creating jobs and wealth in the local economy. A previous collaboration, focussed
on the transfer of a protein engineering technology from the School of Pharmacy (through a
KTP scheme; awarded A in final report; regional winner 2008), led to the development of a
new bovine TB diagnostic kit by the company, which is currently undergoing evaluation in the
UK and Ireland.
In this current project, the academic partner has developed a novel nanoparticulate drug
delivery system and has already been provided with commercially insensitive antibodies to
test as a proof of principle in vitro by the industrial partner. This project will build on this
base, examining commercially prioritised antibodies (produced using the platform
technologies underpinning the company) in relevant in vivo primary and metastatic tumour
models
We believe that this programme is an ideal mechanism to fund this pilot project, as it not only
provides the scope to undertake the project, but allows the Fellow to learn and champion the
technology, thus developing their own CV, and provides a framework for further funding
opportunities from the MRC such as the DPFS
Technical Summary
This exchange programme will focus on the development of the Fellow?s expertise in
the development and evaluation of nanoparticulate systems as anti-cancer
therapeutics. This project will not only provide the fellow with various aspects of
research leadership training, but also facilitate the development of a new research
collaboration between the academic and industrial partners; bringing together their
respective skills in nanoparticulate drug systems and therapeutic antibody
development in a pilot study to examine their application using in vivo tumour
models.
This project will bring together the independent research strengths of both
partners, and provide the necessary funding to pursue the evaluation of antibodydirected
nanoparticulate conjugates as anti-cancer drugs, both in terms of
therapeutic effect and toxicity. For the academic partner, this represents a valuable
opportunity to develop a new therapeutic strategy with an industrial partner, who is
focussed on antibody therapeutics. The industrial partner has developed a portfolio
of antibodies towards targets up-regulated on the surface of tumour cells post front
line chemotherapy treatment, and is keen to examine their application in these
nanoparticulate systems ? in both a therapeutic and drug delivery vector capacity.
The academic and industrial partners have collaborated previously, and technology
transfer have been previously undertaken through the Knowledge Transfer
Partnership (KTP). These previous projects have had success outcomes, including
the co-development of a novel antibody therapeutic (Fsn0503) which is now poised
to undergo phase 1 clinical trials. This new project builds on these previous
successful relationships which will form a solid basis in terms of working practises,
route to IP establishment and licensing as required.
the development and evaluation of nanoparticulate systems as anti-cancer
therapeutics. This project will not only provide the fellow with various aspects of
research leadership training, but also facilitate the development of a new research
collaboration between the academic and industrial partners; bringing together their
respective skills in nanoparticulate drug systems and therapeutic antibody
development in a pilot study to examine their application using in vivo tumour
models.
This project will bring together the independent research strengths of both
partners, and provide the necessary funding to pursue the evaluation of antibodydirected
nanoparticulate conjugates as anti-cancer drugs, both in terms of
therapeutic effect and toxicity. For the academic partner, this represents a valuable
opportunity to develop a new therapeutic strategy with an industrial partner, who is
focussed on antibody therapeutics. The industrial partner has developed a portfolio
of antibodies towards targets up-regulated on the surface of tumour cells post front
line chemotherapy treatment, and is keen to examine their application in these
nanoparticulate systems ? in both a therapeutic and drug delivery vector capacity.
The academic and industrial partners have collaborated previously, and technology
transfer have been previously undertaken through the Knowledge Transfer
Partnership (KTP). These previous projects have had success outcomes, including
the co-development of a novel antibody therapeutic (Fsn0503) which is now poised
to undergo phase 1 clinical trials. This new project builds on these previous
successful relationships which will form a solid basis in terms of working practises,
route to IP establishment and licensing as required.