Peptides Boost Anti-Tumor Activity of Drugs

A team of scientists has created a ground-breaking method for improving drug formulations by employing specifically engineered peptides. This novel technique dramatically improves anti-tumor activity, as seen in leukemia models. Researchers from the CUNY ASRC (Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center conducted the study, which was published in the journal Chem.

Drug delivery technologies frequently encounter two major challenges: poor solubility and ineffective transport within the body. Many medications do not dissolve well, making it challenging for them to deliver to their intended destinations. Furthermore, existing delivery systems squander a considerable percentage of the drug during preparation, with only 5-10% being properly loaded, resulting in less effective treatments.

Peptide Helpers

The study team devised a fresh strategy by constructing peptides—short strings of amino acids—that attach to specific medications and form therapeutic nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are mostly made up of the drug, with a thin peptide coating that increases solubility, stability in the body, and delivery to specific locations. Surprisingly, this methodology delivers drug loadings of up to 98%, a significant improvement over conventional procedures.

A mixture of computer models and laboratory studies were used to identify new drug/peptide nanoparticles. They then displayed outstanding results in leukemia models. The nanoparticles were more successful at shrinking tumors than the medications alone. Furthermore, their excellent effectiveness allows for lower drug doses, which could minimize side effects.

Peptides, which are designed molecules made from the same building blocks as the proteins in our body, are extremely versatile. We thought they could be useful in solving two big problems seen in many drugs: poor solubility and inefficient delivery. By designing a peptide that binds the drug while enhancing its solubility, we were able to create nanoparticles with very high loading.”

Rein Ulijn, Study Co-Principal Investigator and Director, Nanoscience Initiative, Advanced Science Research Center, City University of New York

Customizable Technology

This breakthrough has great potential because peptides can be tailored to improve the efficacy of numerous drugs. Given the wide spectrum of possible interactions in peptide design, it may be able to customize peptides to specific drugs, broadening their application beyond cancer treatments.

This breakthrough enables the development of better precision medicines. Using specially designed peptides, we can build nanomedicines that make existing drugs more effective and less toxic and even enable the development of drugs that might not be able to work without these nanoparticles.”

Daniel Heller, Study Co-Principal Author and Head, Cancer Nanomedicine Laboratory, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Highlighting the promise of the peptide technique, Naxhije “Gia” Berisha, a former Ph.D. student at the CUNY Graduate Center who conducted a large portion of the experimental study, noted, “We used experimental testing to identify promising peptides and computational modeling to analyze their interactions with therapeutic molecules. It’s incredible to see how simple variations in peptide sequence could match specific drugs. This suggests there may be a peptide match for every drug, potentially revolutionizing the way medicines are delivered.”

Looking Ahead

The research team is now using lab automation approaches to improve and accelerate the peptide-drug matching process. Their next stages include assessing the approach's potential in a broader spectrum of ailments. If successful, this breakthrough may result in more effective therapies, fewer side effects, and significant cost savings in drug development.