In vivo synthesis of triple-loaded albumin conjugate for efficient targeted cancer chemotherapy

The development of selective anticancer drugs avoiding side effects met in the course of almost all current treatments is of major interest for cancer patients. Here, we report on a novel beta-glucuronidase-responsive drug delivery system allowing the in vivo synthesis of triple-loaded albumin conjugate. Following intravenous administration, the glucuronide prodrug reacts in the blood stream with the cysteine-34 residue of circulating albumin through thio-Michael addition, enabling the bioconjugation of three Monomethylauristatin E (MMAE) molecules to the plasmatic protein. The albumin conjugate then accumulates in malignant tissues where tumor-associated beta-glucuronidase triggers the selective release of the whole transported drugs. By operating this way, the trimeric glucuronide prodrug produces remarkable anticancer activity on orthotopic MIA PaCa-2 pancreatic tumors, leading to dramatic reduction or even remission of tumors (3/8 mice).