Evans Blue-PSMA Conjugates for Longer-Circulating Prostate Radiotherapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current PSMA-targeting small molecules for prostate cancer treatment face challenges such as rapid clearance from circulation, leading to low tumor accumulation and limited diagnostic/therapeutic efficacy, with existing agents like 177< Lu-PSMA-617 showing partial response rates of up to 70%-80% that are short-term and long-term toxicity unknown.

Innovation Solution

Development of Evans Blue derivatives conjugated with PSMA ligands, such as EB-PSMA-617, which have increased blood half-life and tumor uptake, utilizing a residue derived from (((R-)-1-carboxy-2-mercaptoethyl)carbamoyl)-L-glutamic acid to enhance urinary tract clearance and albumin binding, resulting in improved tumor targeting and radiotherapy efficacy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If PSMA-targeting small molecules are used for prostate cancer treatment, then tumor targeting is achieved, but rapid clearance from circulation occurs leading to low tumor accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetumor targetingVSAvoidtumor accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite molecule combining Evans Blue (EB) derivative with PSMA ligand (e.g., glutamate-urea-lysine). This composite structure leverages the albumin-binding property of EB to extend circulation half-life while maintaining PSMA-targeting capability of the ligand, thereby increasing tumor accumulation despite rapid clearance of conventional small molecules

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The Evans Blue derivative acts as an intermediary that binds to serum albumin in circulation, creating an EB-albumin complex. This intermediary mechanism protects the PSMA ligand from rapid renal clearance and extends its circulation time, allowing sufficient time for the ligand to bind to PSMA receptors on tumor cells and accumulate in the tumor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional PSMA ligands are used, then rapid urinary tract clearance is achieved, but blood half-life is short limiting therapeutic efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveurinary tract clearanceVSAvoidblood half-life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The Evans Blue derivative serves as a circulating intermediary that binds to serum albumin, creating a temporary reservoir in the bloodstream. This intermediary complex delays renal clearance while maintaining the ability to deliver the PSMA ligand to the tumor, effectively extending blood half-life without compromising urinary tract clearance of unbound ligand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The EB-PSMA ligand conjugate exhibits periodic binding and release dynamics: it binds to albumin for extended circulation, periodically releases to bind PSMA on tumor cells, and allows cleared portions to be eliminated through urinary tract. This periodic action pattern maintains therapeutic levels in blood longer while preserving clearance mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 modified Evans Blue derivatives demonstrate significantly higher tumor uptake and improved survival rates in PSMA-positive tumor models, offering a more effective treatment strategy with enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a residue derived from (((R-)-1-carboxy-2-mercaptoethyl)carbamoyl)-L-glutamic acid to enhance urinary tract clearance and albumin binding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlbumin binding: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

chemical conjugates of Evans blue derivatives and their use as radiotherapy and imaging agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadioactive decay: Radioactive Decay

Data Source

PatentEP3755321B1Chemical conjugates of evans blue derivatives and their use as radiotherapy and imaging agents for targeting prostate cancer
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
  • EP3755321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3755321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3755321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compound of Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable ester, amide, solvate, or salt thereof, or a salt of such an ester or amide or a solvate of such an ester amide or salt wherein the definitions of R1-R13 and L1-L4 are provided in the disclosure, and wherein R14 is a group capable of binding to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA).