Reference #: 01145
The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for a polymeric prodrug that is able to kill a broad-spectrum of cancer cells, including drug resistant cancer cells and cancer stem cells, without damaging normal cells.
Invention Description:
The present invention describes the preparation of a polymeric prodrug of disulfiram combined with copper ions that can effectively kill a broad-spectrum of cancer cells, including drug resistant cancer cells and cancer stem cells, at the nano-molar level.
Potential Applications:
Treatment of various cancers, as well as rheumatoid arthritis, cataracts atherosclerosis, and other cardiovascular diseases
Advantages and Benefits:
1. Enhanced efficacy and targeting
2. Minimal side effects as a result of specific cancer cell selectivity
3. Longer half-life
4. Broad-spectrum of anticancer activity, including drug resistant and cancer stem cells
Background:
While disulfiram (i.e. DSF or Antabuse) has been used for the treatment of chronic alcoholism for several decades, recent research discovered that disulfiram is able to effectively kill a wide variety of cancer cell concentrations of sub-micromolar levels when combined with copper ions. However, the application of disulfiram is limited due to its extremely low bioavailability, short half-life, as well as side effects, such as headaches, decreased sexual ability in males, skin rashes, and mood changes. This invention uses a disulfiram nano-prodrug fabricated from polymer to specifically target cancer cells without causing side effects.
Experimental Validation:
The disulfiram polymer prodrug has been synthesized and its therapeutic efficacy has been validated in vitro.