Speaker Abstract: S-26
Nanotechnology for Drug Delivery and Targeted Imaging
James R. Baker, Jr., M.D., Ruth Dow Doan Professor and Director, Center for Biologic Nanotechnology, The University of Michigan
The Center for Biological Nanotechnology at the University of Michigan is developing unique platforms for targeted drug delivery and imaging, initially for the treatment of cancer. This platform involves the use of a nanometer-sized polymeric macromolecule called a dendrimer. This macromolecule is small enough that it will escape the blood stream through vascular pores and then specifically target cells within tumors or selected organs. Importantly, this polymer is also in the size range (<20 nm) that it will internalize within a cell and can localize to intracellular structures. If the material doesn't internalize in the target cells, it is harmlessly excreted through the kidney avoiding side toxicity. Animal studies have documented not only the safety of this material but the ability to improve the therapeutic index of cancer drugs by 50-fold.
The discovery phase of this platform's development has been supported through an ongoing $12.8 million dollar contract from the National Cancer Institute. We also have $1.3 million dollars from the MLSC to fund the crucial step of technology scale up and toxicity and proof of concept studies in animal models of human cancer. Achieving these goals will provide the basis for venture capital or private corporate investment to support human clinical trials within the next three years. Given the flexibility of this platform for drug delivery, this technology has the potential to provide unique solutions for many aspects of medical care.
2004 FDA Science Forum | FDA Chapter, Sigma Xi | CFSAN | FDA
Last updated on 2004-MAY-28 by frf