Self-assembling nanoparticles for the release of bisphosphonates in the treatment of human cancers [WO2012042024]

The focus of this patent was to manipulate the pharmacokinetic profile of an amino-bisphosphonate (zoledronic acid, ZOL) to make it desirable for antitumor uses. This patent disclosed a unique drug loading strategy that was inspired by gene delivery vehicles based on similar materials (calcium phosphate, CaP). The promise of this drug delivery system (DDS) lies not only in a 44% in vivo inhibition of tumor growth compared with free drug, but also in the low toxicity of the drug which guarantees a dosage regimen with higher doses and longer course of treatment. Also, the disclosed DDS has the potential to be further upgraded. In this patent evaluation, the state of the art in the field of CaP-based drug carrier and the novelty of this invention will be discussed.