PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES
• Injectable cancer therapeutics
• Water-soluble polymer-drug conjugates as prodrugs for cancer or other diseases
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES OVER OTHER DRUG DELIVERY TECHNOLOGIES
PERFORMANCE FACTORS
Direct PEGylation
Liposomal Encapsulation
THIS INVENTION
Solubility, Biocompatibility and BioavailabilityGood Water
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High Drug Loading
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Cell-specific Targeting
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
Many potent small-molecule anticancer drugs have poor aqueous solubility or short-term aqueous stability. In order to improve delivery efficiency and enable high drug loading without off-target toxicities, effective drug delivery methods need to be developed. Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new polymer-based, targeted drug delivery system that allows for the delivery of insoluble small-molecule chemotherapy drugs, as well as cell-specific targeting to enhance potency and reduce toxicity. This drug delivery system comprises a water soluble, phosphorylcholine-based polymer that is conjugated to drug molecules and cell-specific targeting moieties at multiple sites of the polymer. The chemical linkages between the polymer backbone and the drug molecules allow for incorporation of stimuli-responsive chemical moieties to achieve triggered release of the drug molecules at the desired target site.
ABOUT THE LEAD INVENTOR
Dr. Todd Emrick is a Professor in the Department of Polymer Science and Engineering. He is a prolific inventor and a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.
AVAILABILITY:
Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research
DOCKETS:
UMA 09-53 and UMA 10-05
PATENT STATUS:
Patents Issued: Chinese Patent ZL200980156713.4; US Patent Pending
NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE
LEAD INVENTOR:
Todd S. Emrick, Ph.D.
CONTACT: