Zetafinity® is a novel polymer nanoparticle (PNP) delivering small molecules, peptides, and protein therapeutics to immune cells. Several ongoing phase-2 clinical trials are using Zetafinity® technology to deliver proteins to antigen-presenting cells to treat autoimmune diseases.
Zetafinity® nanoparticles comprise biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide), PLGA, and an anionic polymer. The nanoparticles are manufactured using a proprietary manufacturing process which allows the encapsulation of therapeutic agents and anchoring of the anionic polymer on the surface. The polyanions on the surface of the Zetafinity® nanoparticles bind macrophage receptors with collagenous structures (MARCO) receptors which are expressed on dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages and facilitate the intracellular delivery of the encapsulated payload via receptor-mediated endocytosis.
In a rodent tumor model, intravenously injected Zetafinity® nanoparticles primarily target DCs and other types of immune cells. Therefore, tumor antigens can be delivered to these cells for the treatment of cancer.
Increased anti-tumor efficacy of an immune checkpoint agent, compound SCH, in a rodent colon cancer model showed that SCH-loaded Zetafinity® nanopartices had improved efficacy and longer survival than the SCH itself.
