Researchers develop an antibody-drug delivery system

Date:
December 7, 2021
Source:
Monash University
Summary:
Researchers have developed the first metal-organic framework
(MOFs) antibody-drug delivery system that has the potential to
fast-track potent new therapies for cancer, cardiovascular and
autoimmune diseases.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
It sounds like the stuff of science fiction: a human-made crystal that
can be attached to antibodies and then supercharge them with potent
drugs or imaging agents that can seek out diseased cells with the highest precision, resulting in fewer adverse effects for the patient.


========================================================================== However, that is precisely what researchers from the Australian Centre
for Blood Diseases at Monash University in collaboration with the TU Graz (Austria) have developed: the world's first metal-organic framework (MOFs) antibody-drug delivery system that has the potential to fast-track potent
new therapies for cancer, cardiovascular and autoimmune diseases.

The in vitro study showed that when MOF antibody crystals bind to their
target cancer cells and if exposed to the low pH in the cells, they
break down, delivering the drugs directly and solely to the desired area.

The metal-organic framework, a mixture of metal (zinc) and carbonate
ions, and a small organic molecule (an imidazole, a colourless solid
compound that is soluble in water) not only keeps the payload attached
to the antibody but can also acts as a reservoir of personalised
therapeutics. This is a benefit with the potential to become a new
medical tool to target specific diseases with customised drugs and
optimised doses.

The findings are now published in the journal Advanced Materials.

Co-senior author Professor Christoph Hagemeyer, Head of the
NanoBiotechnology Laboratory at the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, says while more funding is needed to take the research
into the next phase and to patients, the new method is cheaper, faster
and more versatile than anything available currently.

"The method offers the opportunity to personalise treatment and given the precision possible, may eventually change the current dosage needed for patients, resulting in fewer side effects and making treatments cheaper,"
said Professor Hagemeyer.

Co-first author Dr Karen Alt, Head of the Nano Theranostics Laboratory at
the Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Monash University, says: "With
just 0.01 per cent of chemotherapy currently reaching the cancer tissue,
this revolutionary new method can boost the potency of the drugs reaching
their target." "With over 80 different monoclonal antibodies approved
for clinical use, this approach has enormous potential to improve these antibodies for the targeted delivery of diagnostic agents and therapeutic drugs. The goal is that ultimately the clinical translation of this
technology will improve the quality of life for patients suffering from
serious diseases," said Dr Alt.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Monash_University. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Karen Alt, Francesco Carraro, Edwina Jap, Mercedes
Linares‐Moreau,
Raffaele Ricco`, Marcello Righetto, Marco Bogar, Heinz Amenitsch,
Rania A. Hashad, Christian Doonan, Christoph E. Hagemeyer,
Paolo Falcaro.

Self‐Assembly of Oriented Antibody‐Decorated
Metal‐Organic Framework Nanocrystals for Active Targeting
Applications. Advanced Materials, 2021; 2106607 DOI: 10.1002/
adma.202106607 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/12/211207092438.htm

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