Title: Impact of delivery vehicles in tumor-specificity, imaging and therapy of multifunctional agents

Biography:

Abstract

The poor water solubility of most of the porphyrin-based photosensitizers (PS) causes significant problems in clinical development, and the choice of a suitable formulation with limited toxicity is an important step in drug development. In recent years, a wide variety of formulating systems such as Tween 60, cremophor, liposomes, microcapsules, microspheres, nanoparticles, nanocrystals and polymers are being explored. However, reproducibility, biocompatibility, premature degradation or inactivation within the systemic circulation and toxicity at higher doses are the problems associated with some of these formulations. Therefore, it becomes necessary to investigate the toxicity (including organ toxicity) of these formulating agent(s) before their use in drug formulation. We have shown that the nature of delivery vehicles makes a significant difference in tumor-uptake and biological efficacy. The limitations and advantages of certain vehicles in developing multifunctional agents will be presented.