MultiCell Technologies and Genisphere are working together to develop a targeted MCT-485 nanoparticle therapeutic for the treatment of liver cancer. MCT-485 is a noncoding, double-stranded microRNA (miRNA) which has reportedly demonstrated oncolytic and immune-stimulating activity in in vitro models of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The two firms will investigate the use of Genisphere’s 3DNA® Dendrimer nanoparticle drug delivery technology to enable the targeted delivery of MCT-485 to the tumor and away from normal tissues. Formulations that meet several criteria, including being safe enough to allow parenteral administration by infusion or topical administration, will be developed and tested in animal models of hepatocellular carcinoma. 

MCT-485 possesses both oncolytic and immune activating properties, which, according to MultiCell, means it could provide a more robust activation of immunity and a more global and longer-lasting antitumor effect than currently marketed chemotherapies.

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