Our Projects
Peptide targeted radiotherapy (PTRT) is a promising new approach to cancer therapy that has been widely validated in clinical studies and is in routine clinical use in Europe.
Our approach systemically delivers a molecularly targeted, radiolabeled peptide which is designed to target with high affinity and specificity the receptors overexpressed on tumors. 
Guidelines for effectively employing PTRT have been published, further supporting the promise and acceptance of this therapeutic modality (Zaknun JJ et al, Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2013, 40(5):800-16). 
Our technology represents the next generation of PTRT, employing superior peptide targeting and a radioisotope with more desirable characteristics than conventional radioisotopes.
Andarix products and technologies are covered by issued and pending patents in major international markets as well as Orphan Drug designation.
We have developed a novel peptide, P2045, that contains an intelligently designed sequence that forms a chelate complex with radioisotopes.
Our project candidates benefit from the specificity of a targeted therapeutic coupled with the tumoricidal effect of radiation therapy.
P2045 has been specifically optimized for binding both an imaging agent, Technetium (Tc99), and the therapeutic radionuclide Rhenium (Re188). Our peptide specifically and selectively binds to cancer cells that over-express the somatostatin receptor, particularly those in lung, pancreatic and neuroendocrine cancers. 
The high energy beta emission of the radioisotope allows delivery of cytotoxic radiation not only to tumor cells in which it is internalized but also to neighboring tumor cells.
Tozaride (Rhenium 188 P2045)
Rhenium (Re) 188 P2045 is a targeted therapy that combines a high-affinity somatostatin receptor-binding peptide with the high-energy, beta-emitting radionuclide Rhenium-188.
In studies with nude mice, Re188 P2045 caused almost complete inhibition of SSTR-bearing pancreatic tumors with no acute damage to any other organ or tissue. 
In other preclinical studies, Re188 P2045 demonstrated significant growth delay in xenografts of small cell lung and other cancers (Cyr et al, J Med Chem 2007, 50:1354-1364).
SSTR2 is the most widely up-regulated subtype and is the primary mediator of somatostatin effects in cancer cells. P2045 is rapidly internalized by SSTR2 allowing it to be a highly specific targeting agent.
Both small cell (~84%), and non-small cell (~87%) lung cancers, as well as neuroendocrine cancers (>90%) are characterized by a high over-expression of the somatostatin receptor (SSTR).
More on the Science
Somatostatin receptor type 2 (SSTR2) is a critical protein encoded by the SSTR2 gene located on chromosome 17 in humans.
Part of the G-protein coupled receptor family, this protein is predominantly expressed in the pancreas, particularly in alpha- and beta-cells, but it is also present in other tissues such as the cerebrum, kidney, jejunum, colon, and liver.
In the pancreas, SSTR2 plays a significant role in inhibiting the secretion of peptide hormones upon binding to somatostatin. It is also crucial during development, promoting neuronal migration and axon outgrowth.
Interestingly, SSTR2 is highly expressed in most tumors, and its over-expression in neuroendocrine tumors correlates with a better prognosis.
This characteristic allows for the targeted delivery of radio-peptides to tumors for detection or destruction, making it a promising candidate in cancer treatment strategies due to its capability to stimulate apoptosis in cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth.
References
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