H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Inc.

University of Texas System

Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona

Intezyne Technologies, Incorporated

Other

Narges Tafreshi

Robert J Gillies

David L Morse

Jonathan L Sessler

Kevin N Sill

Victor J Hruby

Josef Vagner

Christian Preihs

Natalie M Barkey

Mark Ronald McLaughlin

Marilyn M Bui

Steven Alan Enkemann

Thaddeus Wadas

Hyun Joo Kil

William Bradford Carter

The subject invention pertains to a modified MC1R peptide ligand comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) ligand and a functionality or linker, such as a click functionality, for conjugation to a surface or agent. The modified MC1R peptide ligand can be coupled, e.g., via a click reaction with a complementary click functionality attached, to a moiety to form an MC1R-targeted agent. Drugs, contrast agents, polymers, particles, micelles, surfaces of larger structures, or other moieties can be targeted to the MC1R. The subject invention also pertains to a MC1R peptide ligand-micelle complex comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor ligand connected via a click reaction product to a micelle. The micelle is stable in vivo and can target melanoma tumor cells by association of the peptide ligand with the MC1R or the tumor and selectively provide a detectable and/or therapeutic agent (such as an imagable contrast agent and/or anti-cancer agent) selectively to the tumor cell.

Melanocortin 1 receptor ligands and methods of use

The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to cancer therapy and to anti-cancer compounds and imaging agents. More specifically, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to agents that target MC1R and their use in the treatment of cancer. Methods of screening for MC1R targeted agents are also disclosed.

Radiotherapeutic and companion imaging agents to target MC1R

The subject invention pertains to a modified MC1R peptide ligand comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) ligand and a functionality or linker, such as a click functionality, for conjugation to a surface or agent. The modified MC1R peptide ligand can be coupled, e.g., via a click reaction with a complementary click functionality attached, to a moiety to form an MC1R-targeted agent. Drugs, contrast agents, polymers, particles, micelles, surfaces of larger structures, or other moieties can be targeted to the MC1R. The subject invention also pertains to a MC1R peptide ligand-micelle complex comprising a peptide that is a melanocortin 1 receptor ligand connected via a click reaction product to a micelle. The micelle is stable in vivo and can target melanoma tumor cells by association of the peptide ligand with the MC1R or the tumor and selectively provide a detectable and/or therapeutic agent (such as an imageable contrast agent and/or anti-cancer agent) selectively to the tumor cell.

Cellular targets on cancer cells have been identified that can be used with targeted molecular imaging to detect the cancer cells in vivo. Non-invasive methods for detecting cancer cells, such as metastasized cancer cells, are therefore provided. Also provided are compositions and kits for use in the disclosed methods.

Molecular imaging of cancer cells in vivo

Growing community of inventors

Tampa, FL, United States of America

Narges Tafreshi