Antibodies that Deliver Drugs to Cells Using Transferrin Receptors

This patent describes special antibodies that bind to transferrin receptors on cells to deliver molecular payloads, such as genetic material, for therapeutic purposes.

What it covers

The patent focuses on specific antibodies designed to attach to a protein called the transferrin receptor (TFR), particularly transferrin receptor 1, found on the surface of many cells. Once the antibody binds to this receptor, it can deliver a 'molecular payload' into the cell. This payload is covalently linked, meaning it's strongly attached to the antibody. The abstract specifically mentions delivering an oligonucleotide, which is a type of genetic material, into a subject. This mechanism allows for targeted delivery of drugs or genetic therapies to specific cells or tissues.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover antibodies that bind to cell receptors other than the transferrin receptor.
• —Does not cover drug delivery systems that do not use an antibody as the primary targeting agent.
• —Does not cover delivery of payloads that are not covalently linked to the antibody.
• —Does not cover delivery of payloads that are not oligonucleotides, unless they are also 'molecular payloads' linked to the antibody.

The clever bit

The novelty lies in creating specific anti-transferrin receptor antibodies that can effectively carry and deliver a 'molecular payload' into cells. This approach leverages a natural cellular uptake pathway, the transferrin receptor pathway, to smuggle therapeutic molecules inside.

Why it matters

Targeted drug delivery is crucial for treating many diseases, especially those where drugs struggle to reach specific cells or cross barriers like the blood-brain barrier. The transferrin receptor is highly expressed on certain cells, including those in the brain and various cancer cells, making it an attractive target. This technology could enable more effective treatments by ensuring therapeutic agents reach their intended targets while minimizing side effects on healthy tissues.

Real-world examples

• 1.Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) for cancer therapy
• 2.Gene therapy delivery systems targeting specific cell types
• 3.Drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier
• 4.Research into targeted delivery of RNA therapeutics