Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in developed countries.  Despite the availability of several synergistic, targeted therapy regiments, the 5-year survival rate for NSCLC is only 15%.  The poor prognosis of NSCLS is due in part to limitations of current treatments, which do not trigger an immune response against NSCLC, nor can they be directly delivered into the lungs.  

Researchers at NCI developed a novel method for synthesizing polyketal nanoparticles with adsorbed CpG oligonucleotides (NP-CpG) that possess immunomodulatory and potent anti-tumor activity, and can be safely delivered to the lungs. The researchers have demonstrated a link between NP-CpG accumulation in pulmonary tumors and an increase in TH1 cells and decrease in Treg cells in vivo.  They have optimized particle size for intratracheal delivery, and in vivo studies showed improved efficacy, PK, and PD compared to other CpG formulations. The novel NP-CpG preparation can be made reproducibly and to scale for expanded in vivo studies. 

The NCI seeks partners interested in licensing this therapeutic with an initial goal of preclinical evaluation leading to clinical testing.

Competitive Advantages:

• Optimized particle size for intratracheal delivery
• Improved efficacy, PK, and PD compared to other CpG formulations

Commercial Applications:

• Adjuvant or synergistic therapeutic to enhance efficacy of existing treatment regimes for NSCLC