Karyon - targeting the cure

Cell membranes in cancer cells are different from those in normal cells, so it should be possible to target them specifically. This is the principle behind the work being carried out at Karyon, which is investigating the possibility of using targeting units to direct drugs directly at tumours, and also to provide a way of detecting tumours at an early stage. Its products are intended to target tumour cell surfaces, activated endothelial cells and metastases.

Karyon is working in collaboration with clinical groups at Helsinki University Central Hospital to develop and modify peptides that have been found using targeted proteomics. The peptides are carried to the tumour through the bloodstream, and can be attached to a known cytotoxic or an investigational cancer drug. Similarly, a diagnostic moiety could be linked to it, facilitating early diagnosis.

'We have patents pending on four peptide targeting units,' said ceo Rabbe Slaetis. 'We believe the concept is now well established, and we hope our first product will enter Phase I/IIa trials in 2005.' He expects the technology will be attractive to big pharma and generics companies, who will be able to use it to give a new lease of life to existing products, and make them more effective in targeting cancer.