The technology

Technology summary

This technology presents a novel family of clickable oxetane-based polymers as a modular drug delivery platform. These polymer-drug conjugates are fast and easy to synthetize at low cost and allow for targeted drug release with improved therapeutic effect during drug delivery. The oxetane-based polymers are very versatile and can be used to improve delivery of various drugs and genetic constructs, which might be toxic or insoluble on their own. Using the Camptothecin (CPT) as a proof of concept, in vitro studies performed by VCU researchers have shown the quick uptake of the conjugate by the cells and its distribution into desired areas.

Furthermore, the oxetane- conjugated molecule was approximately 30 times less toxic than the unmodified one. This technology significantly improves the precision of controlled synthesis and provides a new means for the delivery system.

Technology status

In vitro data have demonstrated lower toxicity, better solubility and quicker uptake of modified therapeutics.

A publication describing a portion of this technology can be found at the following links:
http://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/ma3021294 
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23051100