Drug-containing liposomes incorporated with NTA3-DTDA and engrafted with NRP-1 targeting peptide cam be used to enhance the therapeutic effect of non-targeted doxorubicin, according to new in vitro research. Investigators examined 3 peptides—p39-Flt-1, p24-NRP-1, and p47-LyP-1—finding that p39-Flt-1 can promote liposome aggregation and/or leakage of the encapsulated liposomal drug. They noted, however, that “by careful selection of the lipid formulation in respect to the PEG-lipid used, peptides can readily be screened to identify those suitable for therapeutic targeting of liposomes to tumors.”
The complete study is published in the June 15, 2011, issue of the International Journal of Pharmaceutics (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378517311002614).