AZ signs agreement for targeted drug delivery research
According to Aptamer, its proprietary technology can be used to determine the feasibility of developing “next generation” drug delivery vehicles: Aptamer Drug Conjugates (ApDCs).
Aptamer CEO Arron Tolley told us, “The deal is a significant landmark in the evolution of the company. This deal is a clear demonstration that the technology platform we have developed is being recognized as a superior alternative to current antibody technology.”
The two-year collaboration, Aptamer’s platform technology with AstraZeneca’s experience in cardiovascular, renal and metabolism (CRVM) therapy development, as well as its experience in drug discovery and development. The goal is to use ApDCs to enable targeted delivery to the kidney.
According to AstraZeneca, working with oligonucleotides for targeted drug delivery has posed many challenges previously.
ApDC’s are oligonucleotide or peptide molecules that bind to a target molecule and fold into secondary or tertiary structures. Due to the molecule's mechanism, they have the ability to bind to cell-specific targets and can be attached to therapeutic compounds for target drug delivery.
