Supratek's BioTransport technology improves immune response against cancer

Supratek Pharma (Laval, PQ, Canada) announced at the American Chemical Society Annual Conference that SP1017, its non-viral gene delivery system, significantly increases gene expression in muscle, dermal, and tumor tissues, and attracts dendritic cells to the site of transgene expression. Valery Alakhov, vice president of research and development and chief scientific officer, presented results showing that SP1017 formulated with naked DNA coding for cancer specific genes produced a strong anti-cancer effect.

According to Alakhov, both humoral and cellular immune responses were improved when SP1017 formulated DNA was used, most likely due to the ability of the carrier to attract dendritic cells that are known as the most efficient antigen presenting cells. Accordingly, SP1017 based genetic vaccines might assure a more effective immunization of the patient.

Oleg Romar, president and CEO of Supratek, said, "Not only have we been able to demonstrate a 10 to 20 fold increase in expression for gene-based therapies, such as DNA vaccines, but we can now show that our SP1017 Biotransport product modifies biological response through the recruitment of large numbers of dendritic cells. Clearly this is of fundamental importance since dendritic cells form the primary foundation for the body to mount an effective immune response. These results, combined with our earlier discoveries on SP1017, show that an important set of new tools have been created for safe, efficient and effective delivery of DNA vaccines and therapeutic proteins for gene therapy. We believe that our SP1017 Biotransport technology will have a significant role to play in successfully translating genomics information, from the recently completed draft of the human genome, to effective gene-based medicines and therapies."

Supratek has developed a set of drug delivery technologies, called Biotransport, which increases drug availability and safety. Biotransport carrier technology deploys a payload in the form of a drug molecule in a self-assembling, thermodynamically stable, water-soluble supramolecular complex that carries the drug to the target cell where it can achieve its maximum therapeutic effect. Importantly, Biotransport improves biological response to drugs thereby increasing efficacy and reducing side effects. SP1017 is one of Supratek's novel Biotransport carriers, which enhances the efficiency gene expression used in genetic medicines.

An extensive composition and use patent estate filed in all of the key markets protects Biotransport technology, including SP1017. Incorporation of a drug in Supratek's Biotransport carrier systems can extend a product's patent protection or may result in an entirely new patent.

For more information: Valery Alakhov and Pierre Lemieux, Supratek Pharma Inc., 531, Blvd. des Prairies, Bldg. 18, Laval, PQ, H7V 1B7, Canada. Tel: 450-686-5502. Fax: 450-686-5504. Email: valery.alakhov@supratek.com.

Source: Supratek Pharma Inc.

Edited by Laura DeFrancesco
Managing Editor, Bioresearch Online