Bubendorf, Switzerland, Monday, May 31, 2021 – CIS Pharma and the Paul Scherrer Institute of ETH were granted a two-year research program by Innosuisse to develop an antibody-radionuclide conjugate, ARC, at pre-clinical stage. The ARC is based on CIS Pharma’s polymer drug carriers to diagnose and treat L1CAM-positive forms of cancer. In addition, the research partners will investigate CIS Pharma’s payload technology to serve as dual-active carriers, comprising synergistic combinations of radionuclides and radio-sensitizing agents. The polymer carrier is conjugated site-directed to anti-L1CAM or other moieties targeting cancer cells. Earlier this year, an in-vivo biodistribution study demonstrated positive effects of the payload technology on conjugation and on pharmacokinetics. The ARC technology opens the treatment window for cancer patients that are not responding to standard of care, such as patients with ovarian or lung cancer that are not responding to cisplatin. Currently, these patients face a poor prognosis with a high likelihood for metastatic spread. CIS Pharma’s polymer-based payload technology improves the conjugation of the targeting moiety with the radio-isotopes. In addition, reduction of off-target effects is expected. Furthermore, the technology enables combination of payloads for higher efficacy.
About CIS Pharma antibody-drug conjugates, ADCs, and antibody radionuclide conjugates, ARCs
ADCs, antibody-drug conjugates, are a class of highly potent drugs for the treatment of cancer. Conventional ADCs are composed of a chemotherapeutic drug that is conjugated directly to an antibody targeting cancer cells. CIS Pharma has developed a polymer-drug-carrier, PDC, that is loaded with anticancer moieties and consequently linked to the antibody. The PDC platform allows for customization and optimization of ADCs for a given target and indication.
ARCs, antibody-radionuclide conjugates, are a form of radiotherapy, where a radionuclide molecule is linked to an antibody. CIS Pharma has developed a radionuclide-specific PDC that is optimized to conjugate radionuclides to an antibody. Radionuclides, such as Lutetium-177 or Iodine-131 are radioactive isotopes that emit radiation that kill cancer cells. Other radionuclides such as Indium-111 or Zirconium-89 are used for imaging and localization of cancer cells and to monitor the progress of cancer treatment.
Theranostics is a concept that refers to the integration of imaging and therapy in a single system, allowing therapy and follow-up of the treatment. CIS Pharma PDC’s are designed to conjugate both imaging and therapeutic compounds in a single system to simultaneously treat and monitor cancer. Alternatively, the identical antibody-polymer-drug-carrier-system is loaded in a first step with imaging radio-isotopes to then load in a second run therapeutic radio-isotopes to treat cancer.
About CIS Pharma AG
CIS Pharma AG is an innovator in the life science industry. The company was founded in 1952 and is family owned. In our laboratories, we synthesize novel molecules, develop new biomaterials and create cutting-edge medical devices. Our mission is to improve the risk-benefit profile of therapeutics that are the standard of care, thereby improving patient’s experience and treatment outcome. Medical need, patient centricity and digital technology are key to our research and development programs. CIS Pharma is located in the region of Basel, Switzerland, one of the most successful life sciences locations in the world. For more information about the company, visit our website www.cis-pharma.com.