Step 1 - Validate the guidance system

Our process begins by screening diseased cells for unique receptors.  After identifying a receptor, we design a guidance system or targeting ligand that binds with high affinity to the target receptor. The guidance system is then attached to a diagnostic imaging agent that is tested in humans to insure the guidance system targets the diseased cells and not normal cells.   EC20, our folate-receptor guidance system, has demonstrated targeting in cancer and other diseases (click to see companion diagnostic images).

Step 2 - Build a pipeline of targeted therapies

Once the guidance system (targeting ligand) has been validated in humans, a variety of potent therapeutic molecules are screened.    We look for highly potent drugs with dose-limiting toxicities.  After a drug is identified,  we attach it to the validated guidance system and compare it to the free drug in in-vitro and in-vivo models. If the guided drug is better than the free drug in terms of efficacy and safety, it is advanced into the clinic.   By repeating this process for each drug, we are able to build a pipeline of unique drugs with potentially superior safety and efficacy.

Step 3 - Identify patients likely to respond

The final step is to use companion diagnostic imaging agents to identify patients likely to respond to a targeted therapy. These companion diagnostics use the same guidance system as the therapeutic drug and are incorporated into all of our clinical studies to determine whether each patient is an appropriate candidate for the therapeutic drug. (see predictive medicine).