Revolutionizing Cancer Immunotherapy

How it Works

• Photoactivateable liposomes are loaded with a therapeutic payload and infused intravenously. After infusion, a physician or trained operator illuminates the tumor region. When the liposomes are illuminated at the appropriate wavelength, the liposomal shell destabilizes, releasing the therapeutic cargo. Our patented liposomal formulation includes an IR-sensitizing agent which is also directly cytotoxic to tumor cells when released after illumination. This allows us to deliver a one-two punch to tumors and the tumor microenvironment, releasing our therapeutic payload and an anti-tumor agent directly into the illuminated region. Our payload is a next generation immunotherapy, designed to help the body build and sustain a response to the tumor that allows for effective tumor clearance and enables the body to "remember" the cancer to destroy it at other sites and in the setting of recurrence.

Advantages

• Infrared wavelengths allow deeper tissue penetration than existing drug delivery platforms, expanding the spectrum of treatable malignancies.
• No need for antibodies or targeting ligands- broader applicability than existing platforms
• Ability to dynamically turn on and off drug delivery in real time
• Adaptable platform capable of delivering a broad spectrum of agents
• Precision control of drug release, minimizing off-target toxicity

​While progress has been made with immune checkpoint inhibitors, which release the "brakes" of the immune system, similar progress to stimulate the immune system directly has been lacking. We deliver a therapy (NR-01) that activates the immune system in a precise manner.  Nano RED has developed preclinical proof-of-concept demonstrating that this platform works in animal models. 

Nano RED's mission is to change the way that cancer is treated. To do this, we will pursue a rapid clinical trial strategy. Our initial target indications include triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and soft tissue sarcomas, where our focus will initially be on orphan indications such as rhabdomyosarcoma, allowing for faster and more efficient clinical trials. Soft tissue sarcomas are highly vascular, and situated ideally for treatment with IR-activated therapies. In addition, the dramatic clinical need, coupled with Orphan Disease status enhances our ability to partner with other pharmaceutical entities to facilitate rapid development of NR-01. Preclinical work has also validated this platform in mouse models of breast cancer.