Fibronectin-binding Peptides for Use in Tumor or Fibrosis Diagnosis and Therapy

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This patent describes the use of fibronectin-binding peptides (FnBPs) that are linked to diagnostic or therapeutic agents. These peptides specifically target fibronectin, a protein that is over-accumulated in certain diseases such as cancer and fibrosis. By targeting fibronectin, the linked agents can be precisely delivered for either imaging (diagnosis) or treatment. The patent covers the FnBP compositions, nucleic acids encoding such fusion polypeptides, vectors, host cells, and kits for use in diagnosing and treating diseases associated with abnormal fibronectin levels, especially in tumors or fibrotic tissues.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Imaging and diagnosis of cancers (e.g., breast, prostate, lung) via targeted delivery of contrast agents to fibronectin-rich tumors.
• Imaging and diagnosis of fibrotic diseases (e.g., pulmonary, liver, kidney fibrosis) through targeted accumulation of diagnostic markers.
• Targeted therapy for cancers by delivering cytostatic/cytotoxic drugs directly to tumors with high fibronectin content, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
• Targeted anti-fibrotic treatments for diseases like systemic sclerosis or organ fibrosis via therapeutic agent delivery to fibronectin-rich deposits.
• Development of theranostic agents (combined therapy and diagnosis) enabling real-time monitoring of disease progression and response to therapy.
• Creation of companion diagnostic kits for personalized medicine based on fibronectin expression profiles in individual patients.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• High selectivity: Delivers diagnostic or therapeutic agents specifically to diseased tissues with abnormal fibronectin, minimizing off-target effects.
• Improved tissue penetration and retention: Small peptide size allows better penetration into tumor/fibrotic tissue and prolonged presence for effective action.
• Versatility: Can be coupled with a wide range of agents (radionuclides, MRI agents, drugs, cytokines) for multiple diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
• Enhanced stability: The peptides show good plasma stability, making them suitable for in vivo use.
• Reduced side effects: Targeted delivery decreases the exposure of healthy organs to potent drugs or radioisotopes.
• Supports both diagnosis and therapy ('theranostics'), enabling simultaneous disease detection and treatment.

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Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The present invention is directed to a composition comprising at least one fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP) linked to at least one diagnostic or therapeutic agent, a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising at least one fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP) linked to at least one diagnostic or therapeutic polypeptide agent as well as a corresponding recombinant vector and host cell comprising such a nucleic acid and preferably expressing said fusion polypeptide. The invention also relates to a kit of parts comprising at least one fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP), at least one diagnostic or therapeutic agent, and optionally one or more chemical agents for linking the fibronectin binding polypeptide (FnBP) to the diagnostic or therapeutic agent. In addition, the present invention intends said composition, nucleic acid, vector, host cell and kit for use in the therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of a disease, preferably a disease associated with abnormal fibronectin accumulation such as cancer and fibrosis.