Singapore: US-based Molecular Targeting Technologies (MTTI) and National Health Research Institutes (NHRI) of Taiwan have come together to develop novel cancer therapeutics, using the proprietary DPA delivery technology to carry anticancer drugs that can be specifically delivered to and released at the tumor sites.

The collaboration has already successfully achieved proof-of-concept in preclinical xenograft models and is now moving toward the next major milestone, which is the selection of a candidate for clinical development.

"We are greatly encouraged by the robust activities and distinct advantages of this novel class of DPA-drug conjugates compared to conventional therapeutic agents in the colon cancer model. We are in the process of assessing the effectiveness of this new therapeutic agent in other tumors as well."

The technology is based on a discovery that certain dipicolyamine derivatives are effective in delivering a therapeutic agent to target disease sites that have phosphatidylserine exposed on the external surfaces of the cell membranes.

Dr Chuan Shih, Director of Institute of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research (IBPR) of NHRI said, "We are delighted to have this opportunity to work with MTTI and apply the unique DPA technology as a novel and specific delivery system for the development of novel cancer therapeutics."

Mr Chris Pak, President and CEO of MTTI said, "We are greatly encouraged by the robust activities and distinct advantages of this novel class of DPA-drug conjugates compared to conventional therapeutic agents in the colon cancer model. We are in the process of assessing the effectiveness of this new therapeutic agent in other tumors as well."