Geneva: Photosensitiser prodrugs for photodynamic therapy

Licensing opportunity

Researchers from the University of Geneva have developed novel photosensitiser prodrugs for use in photodynamic therapy. According to Geneva, these highly specific photosensitiser prodrugs can be used to destroy any type of cell that is overproducing a given protease – an enzyme that breaks down protein.

The technology is now available for licensing. Interested parties should contact Unitec, the technology transfer company for the University of Geneva.

Photodynamic therapy involves the administration of photosensitiser prodrugs to a patient. These prodrugs attach preferentially to malignant tissue and are activated when a specific wavelength of light is applied to the area of skin above the tumour. The new photosensitiser prodrugs release reactive oxygen species – which are toxic to cells – only when they are exposed to a combination of disease-associated breakdown of proteins (proteolysis) and light.

The new technology was developed by University of Geneva researcher Norbert Lange. According to the university, potential applications include the elimination of tumour tissue in cancer and precancerous conditions, of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and of activated synovial fibroblasts – cells thought to play a key role in causing rheumatoid arthritis.

The system is customisable, both in terms of the protease and the wavelength of the light source selected. The new photosensitiser prodrugs are easy to synthesise, and are highly selective for a given protease, which should mean that damage to surrounding healthy tissue during photodynamic therapy is limited.