Targeted drug delivery-diagnostics using the vitamin folate

Purdue University chemistry researchers discovered a new generation of receptor-targeted therapeutics for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. They learned that many types of cancer cells have a great affinity for folate – a form of water-soluble B vitamin – because these cancer cells need the nutrient in order to grow and divide. This research led them to develop folate-targeted chemotherapy, which involves tricking cancer cells into attracting and even ingesting anticancer agents that are attached to folate molecules. Scientists also developed an approach called folate-targeted immunotherapy, which involves attaching various markers to folate in order to force the body's immune system to fight the disease. The goal of both treatments is to target cancer while avoiding the surrounding normal tissue.

In addition, researchers developed a folate-targeted radiopharmaceutical imaging agent that is used to identify folate-receptor positive cancers.

Exclusive licenses for the therapies are held by Endocyte Inc., a Purdue Research Park company located in West Lafayette, Ind.

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