Theralase Technologies Inc., a Toronto-based clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, has announced a significant advancement in understanding the mechanism of action for its lead photodynamic therapy drug, Rutherrin®. This discovery could enhance the drug’s efficacy in targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Rutherrin® is a formulation of Theralase’s ruthenium-based photo dynamic compound, TLD-1433, combined with transferrin, a naturally occurring iron-binding glycoprotein. This combination exploits the overexpression of transferrin receptors on cancer cells, facilitating targeted delivery of the PDC. Upon activation by specific wavelengths of light, Rutherrin® generates reactive oxygen species that induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
Preclinical studies have demonstrated that Rutherrin® achieves a 300% increase in uptake by cancer cells compared to TLD-1433 alone. This enhanced uptake is attributed to the transferrin-mediated targeting mechanism, which allows for more efficient localization of the PDC within cancer cells’ cytoplasm, particularly near mitochondria. The subsequent light activation leads to selective destruction of cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
In addition to its therapeutic potential, Rutherrin® exhibits fluorescent properties that may be utilized for diagnostic purposes. The compound’s fluorescence enables visualization of cancer cells, potentially aiding in the detection and monitoring of tumors.
Theralase’s CEO, Roger Dumoulin-White, emphasized the significance of this discovery, stating that the dual functionality of Rutherrin® in both detecting and destroying cancer cells represents a promising advancement in cancer therapy. He highlighted the potential for Rutherrin® to offer high efficacy with minimal side effects, providing a “one-two punch” against cancer.
Theralase continues to advance its research and development efforts, with ongoing clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of Rutherrin® in treating non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and exploring its application in other oncology indications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for medical guidance.
