Compositions and Methods of Specifically Targeting Tumors
Description of Invention:
A chimeric molecule that binds specifically to IL-13 receptors has been identified. The molecule, IL13-PE38QQR, targets tumor cells with less binding to healthy cells. The improved specific targeting of this molecule is premised upon the discovery that tumor cells overexpress IL-13 receptors at extremely high levels and that binding of IL-13-PE38QQR can be blocked to IL-4 receptors in normal cells. This phenomena permits the use of lower dosages of chimeric molecules along with IL-4 receptor blocker to deliver effector molecules to targeted tumor cells.
This invention may be useful in the treatment of cancer. The targeting method could be used in conjunction with current methods, e.g., chemotherapy to help maintain the healthy cells. To date, IL13-PE38QQR has been shown to be effective against a variety of solid tumor cancers in animal models including adenocarcinoma, brain cancer and AIDS associated Kaposi's sarcoma.
Inventors:
Dr. Raj K. Puri (FDA) et al.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-266-1994/1 --
U.S. Patent No. 6,428,788 issued 06 Aug 2002 Licensing Status:
In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics-In Vivo-Conjugate Chemistry Cancer -Therapeutics-Immunoconjugates-Toxins Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Jasbir (Jesse) S. Kindra J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301) 435-5559
Email: kindraj@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
