New partnership to explore cancer nanotherapeutics
1 January, 2013
Genisphere and Lankenau Institute for Medical Research collaborate in the development of targeted nanotherapeutics.
Genisphere (PA, USA) has expanded its existing partnership with the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (PA, USA; LIMR) to develop nanotherapies to target diseases of the eye and cancer. The collaboration follows on from the relationship forged between the two institutions earlier this year, to identify biomarkers of inflammatory bowel disease.
The collaboration will combine Genisphere’s 3DNA dendrimer technology, which according to the company allows for the delivery of therapeutic agents to target cells, with ongoing research at the LIMR. This research includes targeted drug delivery for ovarian, cervical, prostate and pancreatic cancer, as well as using small molecule drugs to target cells causing post-cataract surgery eye lesions.
Genisphere’s dendrimer technology is based on strands of DNA hybridized together. According to Genisphere, the dendrimers are flexible, multivalent scaffolds with high biocompatibility and low toxicity. Bob Getts, chief science officer of Genisphere, commented on the partnership, “LIMR, with its team of talented scientists, is an ideal partner for us to study how certain therapeutics work with our DNA dendrimer nanoparticles.”
George Prendergast, CEO and president of LIMR, was optimistic about the potential of the collaboration, “LIMR is fortunate to partner with Genisphere for the development of its cancer nanotherapies. Given the wonderful intersection of these two organizations, we will have the right tools and skill sets to strengthen the path forward for clinical testing and ultimately commercialization.”
Looking forward, the scientists hope that the partnership will enable more rapid development of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of various diseases.
Source: Genisphere Expands Partnership with LIMR to Collaborate on Nanotherapeutics.
