title: Stabilized Polymer Micelles for the Development of IT-147, an Epothilone D Drug-Loaded Formulation.
abstract: Epothilones have demonstrated promising potential for oncology applications but suffer from a narrow therapeutic window. Epothilone D stabilizes microtubules leading to apoptosis, is active against multidrug-resistant cells, and is efficacious in animal tumor models despite lack of stability in rodent plasma. Clinical development was terminated in phase II due to dose limiting toxicities near the efficacious dose. Taken together, this made epothilone D attractive for encapsulation in a stabilized polymer micelle for improved safety and efficacy. We have designed a library of triblock copolymers to develop IT-147, a lead formulation of epothilone D that extends plasma circulation for accumulation in the tumor environment, and potentially decrease systemic exposure to reduce dose limiting toxicities. The drug loading efficiency for IT-147 exceeds 90%, is 75 nm in diameter, and demonstrates pH-dependent release of epothilone D without chemical conjugation or enzymatic activation. Administration of IT-147 at 20 mg/kg increases exposure of epothilone D to the plasma compartment over 6-fold compared to free drug. At the same dose, 20 mg/kg epothilone D from IT-147 is considered the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) but is the maximum tolerated dose for free drug. Consequently, IT-147 is positioned to be a safer, more effective means to deliver epothilone D.
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Adam
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-7804-0465
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Carie
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Bradford
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Sullivan
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Tyler
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ellis
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: J Edward
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Semple
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Taylor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Buley
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Tara Lee
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Costich
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Crouse
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bakewell
authors.affiliation: Intezyne Technologies, 3720 Spectrum Blvd. Ste. 104, Tampa, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-9797-7392
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sill