Technology
Our unique programs are sustainable and could ultimately benefit many people's lives
Based on the scientifically proven technology as published in leading journals (Nature Communications, Theranostics) and patents (US9872919, WO2015021305A1), PRUNUS is now developing breakthrough therapeutic/diagnostic products that may dramatically improve the treatment outcome as well as quality of life.
AcK-Lock
Transforming bare agents into targeted cancer therapeutics
AcK-Lock is a broadly applicable masking module for targeted therapy, potentially leading to a paradigm shift in cancer drug development. Addition of AcK-Lock module to a matching agent can generate excellent therapeutic window even if the original agent lacks it (see an ideal case below). This would help to achieve maximal therapeutic potential with minimal adverse effects.
By requiring both histone deacetylase (HDAC) and cathepsin L (CTSL) activities as selective key factors for cancer, AcK-Lock prodrug strategy can render highly specific activation in a wide range of cancer cells. The matching agents include cytotoxic drugs and chemical probes depending on their therapeutic/diagnostic applications.
Selective Metabolic Labeling
Setting up red flags 🚩🚩🚩 on cancer cells
PRUNUS’ core technology Selective Metabolic Labeling is uniquely positioned in the field of immuno-oncology using non-toxic small molecules that can be selectively loaded into cancer cells. It takes advantage of AcK-Lock prodrug strategy selectively labeling proteins produced in a broad spectrum of cancer cells with immunogenic tags. The presence of tags makes cancer cells visible to the immune system, helping the body to regain control on cancer. This approach would facilitate valuable applications for precision therapeutics & diagnostics.
Companion Diagnostics
Multi-Cancer Early Detection
It is very important to identify cancer as early as possible and predict who will better benefit from the treatment. Based on our proprietary technology, we are developing a new multi-cancer blood test for early detection and prediction of treatment responders. The availability of such diagnostic means would further strengthen our therapeutic approach.