Nanotechnology Characterization Lab Collaborators

Recent Collaborators

Prof. Jeffrey Bulte, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Our multimodal nanotheranostic platform can be visualized by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic particle imaging (MPI), and computed tomography (CT). The contrast agent component doubles as a theranostic sensitizer for photothermal therapy, magnetic hyperthermia, and radiotherapy. Using image-guided delivery and imaging follow-up allows for precision treatment while limiting off-target toxicity.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/jeff-bulte

Nanoligent
Nanoligent is a preclinical stage drug discovery biotech, located in Barcelona, developing a first-in class cancer therapy against metastasis. Our approach is a new biotechnological platform based on drug-protein nanoparticles capable of selectively killing very aggressive CXCR4 positive cancer cells.  CXCR4 receptor is a widely overexpressed receptor in an extended subpopulation of cancer patients (around 40%) from 23 different cancer types. CXCR4+ tumor cells are responsible of metastatic dissemination, tumor aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Our aim is to deliver a therapeutic treatment to treat CXCR4+ cancer patients regardless location of primary tumor.

https://www.nanoligent.com/

PDX Pharmaceuticals
PDX Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company leveraging novel nanotechnology and cancer systems biology to develop next-generation combination immunotherapies for cancer. Our proprietary platform (Pdx-NP™) utilizes polymer-modified mesoporous silica nanoparticles and can effectively co-deliver a plethora of therapeutic modalities while maintaining a small size, suitable for infusion and tumor accumulation. ARAC-02, one of our leading candidates, targets PD-L1, PLK1, and TLR9, and has the ability to simultaneously kill cancer while also inducing a potent anti-tumor immune response.   

https://www.pdxpharm.com/

Testimonials

Yechezkel (Chezy) Barenholz, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School
“NCL worked on two projects for my lab and one of the start-ups I founded, LipoCureRX LTD. In both projects, NCL studies provided invaluable characterization assistance for two liposomal products being developed at LipoCure. NCL provided extensive analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the formulations, including detailed studies on the stability and degradation products of the formulation, in vitro cytotoxicity studies in multiple cell lines, multiple in vitro immunotoxicity studies to build upon our knowledge of the formulation’s safety profile, extensive assistance in endotoxin testing, and in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies. The expert analysis of these data helped to solidify our regulatory approach for these products, and we are currently in pre-IND discussions with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, the reports we received from NCL helped us to get an approval for the first-in-man study we performed in Israel.”

Matthieu Germain, Nanobiotix
"The NCL Assay Cascade was very useful to Nanobiotix for the development of one of our intravenously administered nanomedicine products. NCL's collaborative approach, from application through completion, was instrumental to our efforts. NCL adapted their characterization process to fit the needs of our project, tailored smart protocols to answer our questions in a timely manner, and provided meaningful results and suggestions throughout. Given this experience, we highly recommend application to the NCL Assay Cascade for companies aiming to accelerate product development.”

Andrew Brenner M.D., Ph.D., University of Texas Health Science Center
“The NCL has been pivotal for our group in the clinical translation of Rhenium Nanoliposomes and bringing this technology forward for our patients. As part of the pre-IND process, the Food and Drug Administration requested validation of our manufacturing techniques and additional drug characterization. This work was undertaken by the NCL, provided as part of the CMC section of our IND, and resulted in a successful IND application. Rhenium nanoliposomes are now completing phase 1 clinical trial, with phase 2 planned to begin within the year. We are extremely grateful for the expertise provided by the NCL.”

Jun Li, co-founder and CSO, ZY Therapeutics, Inc.
“ZY Therapeutics’ collaboration with NCL has enabled us to successfully advance ZY-010-PNP from discovery-phase toward a pending IND filing. In addition to the NCL team’s broad expertise in nanotechnology, open and concrete communications between NCL and ZY have proven critical to our progress. The NCL team’s input has helped us resolve several key technical issues, including an effective method to control endotoxin levels in ZY’s polymer which optimized our CMC process to meet standards for injectable formulations. Increased understanding of our formulation’s release kinetics, performed via NCL’s stable isotope tracer ultrafiltration assay, solidified our development strategy with this drug candidate. Most importantly, NCL shared with us their passion in finding improved therapy for cancer patients.

ZY technical team’s collaboration with NCL on the development of ZY-010-PNP has significantly reduced our cost and increased the development speed for this promising therapy. Without NCL input, we might still be struggling with many issues associated with natural complexity with nano-formulation.”

Andre Nel, Distinguished Professor of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
“NCL provided top quality characterization and evaluation of a nanocarrier intended for chemotherapy delivery in pancreas and colon cancer. The characterization was well planned, executed and we received comprehensive and detailed feedback that was extremely valuable in improving the safety and performance characteristics of our carrier. The NCL scientists indeed showed in-depth understanding of how to evaluate the characteristics and operational features of nano-enabled drug delivery systems, in vitro and in vivo. The interaction with the staff was pleasant and it was a real pleasure collaborating with NCL. NCL clearly constitutes one of the top places in the world to have nanomaterials characterized for therapeutic use.”

Jon Lovell, Associate Professor, University at Buffalo
"Working with the NCL was a valuable and educational experience. Their experienced and professional team characterized our formulation using numerous assays that cover a range of analytical testing parameters, many of which are critical but would not have occurred to me. Overall, the NCL greatly advanced our product development and we have subsequently been able to have a pre-IND meeting with the FDA.”

Academic Collaborators

Corporate Collaborators

Government Collaborators

• FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
• FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health
• FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research
• FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition
• FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research
• FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs
• NCI’s Center for Cancer Research
• National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
• United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research
• United States Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases