CA IX-Targeted Conjugates for Hypoxic Cancer Imaging and Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging agents and therapeutics for cancer, particularly those targeting carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX), are limited in their effectiveness and specificity for hypoxic tumors.

Innovation Solution

A conjugate of the formula B-L-A is developed, where B is a binding ligand of carbonic anhydrase IX, L is a linker, and A can be either a therapeutic agent or an imaging agent, specifically designed for selective imaging and treatment of cancer cells expressing CA IX.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If small molecule CA IX ligands are used for imaging, then imaging capability is achieved, but therapeutic efficacy is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidtherapeutic efficacy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines imaging agent A and therapeutic agent A into a single conjugate structure B-L-A that targets CA IX. This merging allows the same molecule to provide both imaging capability through agent A and therapeutic efficacy through agent A, resolving the contradiction between imaging and therapy functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If anti-CA IX antibodies are used for targeted therapy, then therapeutic delivery is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetargeted therapy deliveryVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive, complex-to-manufacture anti-CA IX antibodies with small molecule ligands B that are easier and cheaper to manufacture. While antibodies provide targeted delivery, the small molecule ligands achieve comparable targeting with significantly reduced manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If CA IX-targeted imaging agents are developed, then imaging selectivity is improved, but therapeutic application is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging selectivityVSAvoidtherapeutic application
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conjugate B-L-A is designed with dual functionality: it serves as both an imaging agent (through agent A) and a therapeutic agent (through agent A). This multi-functionality allows the same CA IX-targeted molecule to be used for both selective imaging and therapeutic treatment, expanding its versatility beyond single-function imaging agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The conjugate effectively targets and binds to CA IX-expressing cancer cells, enabling precise imaging and potentially delivering therapeutic agents directly to the tumor site, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

B is a binding ligand of carbonic anhydrase IX

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLigand-receptor binding:

Data Source

PatentEP3672615B1FBSA-based therapeutic and radioimaging conjugates targeting carbonic anhydrase positive cancers
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 PURDUE RES FOUND
  • EP3672615B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3672615B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP3672615B1 patent drawingFigure 1E~1F

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors. The present disclosure also relates to targeting conjugates of carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors. The present disclosure also relates to the use of targeting conjugates of carbonic anhydrase IX inhibitors in methods of treating disease and for imaging of disease.