Technology Offer

Ref: 06 ES CACI 0GAI

Date: 05/12/2006 13:15:47

Title: 2nd-generation photosensitisers for photodynamic therapy of cancer (PDT)

Abstract: A research group from a Catalan university in Spain has developed new molecules overcoming the limitations of the only systemic drug approved up to date for oncological applications of photochemotherapy. The group is looking for a pharmaceutical company with a view to license or further development of the product (preclinical and clinical levels).

Description: A research group from a Catalan university in Spain has developed new molecules overcoming the limitations of the only systemic drug approved up to date for oncological applications of photochemotherapy. The group has recently developed molecular modelling, synthetic, and photochemical characterisation methodologies leading to the acquisition of 2,7,12,17-tetraphenylporphycene and its palladium complex, compounds that are highly effective against cultured tumour cells. The synthesis of this new family of PDT (photodynamic therapy) photosensitisers based on the porphycene macrocycle has been developed (patent pending) and the group offers the know-how for the development of new molecules of this family by means of combinatorial chemistry techniques, as well as for their chemical characterisation and for their biological activity assessment. The synthesis of novel photosensitisers requires in most cases lengthy, multi-step procedures, which need to be endured over and over again every time a small variation in the peripheral substituents is required. This has severely limited the development of new compounds and the discovery of successful leads. The technology developed by the Spanish research group allows a combinatorial approach to the synthesis of novel compounds, which enhances dramatically the chances to obtain a successful drug candidate. Innovative Aspects: This new family of PDT sensitizers overcomes the limitations of the only systemic drug approved up to date (low reproducibility in treatments, absorption maximum below the margin of wavelengths to which skin is transparent, and high phototoxicity due to slow elimination from the organism). The new molecules can be obtained by means of combinatorial libraries.