Science
Thermosome is focused on targeted tumor therapy combined with immune stimulation for improved cancer treatment. Our proprietary tumor targeting concept increases local drug concentrations up to 15-fold to achieve improved clinical treatment efficacy. Combining our tumor targeting approach with regional hyperthermia elicits a measurable immune response.
Advantages
Our technology enables actively targeted cancer therapy without the need for a specific molecular target, covering patient populations across all tumor subtypes. Thermosome´s sophisticated approach aims to improve the efficacy of tumor treatment:
- Unmatched high levels of intra-tumoral drug concentration
- Increased penetration depth, also reaching less perfused and deeper tumor areas
- Indication to overcome drug resistance
- Induction of immune response by regional hyperthermia
Background
Thermosome’s non-invasive technology is based on proprietary thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs) using a novel, patent-protected phospholipid (DPPG2) loaded with anticancer drugs. These carriers (DPPG2-TSLs) are administered intravenously and safely encapsulate the drug at normal body temperature. Once they reach the heated target area (40-43°C) via the bloodstream, they immediately release the drug into the blood vessels supplying the tumor (intravascular drug release). Due to the drug’s tissue affinity, it enters the tumor and increases local concentrations up to 15-fold compared to conventional systemic application. These high local drug concentrations, which also reach less well perfused areas, significantly improve treatment efficacy and can overcome drug resistance – benefits that cannot be achieved with conventional systemic drug administration due to toxicities.
Unlike other targeted approaches, our DPPG2-TSL technology is not dependent on molecular targets, which often limits the population of eligible patients due to the highly heterogeneous nature and escape mechanisms of many tumors.
Heating is achieved by clinically established, mild regionally focused heating techniques such as microwave or ultrasound devices. This regional mild heating has been shown to activate the immunosuppressive tumor environment.