Cancers that over-express folate receptors, such as ovarian, NSCLC, breast, colorectal, renal cell, and gastric cancer, affect more than 400,000 people in the United States. Folate is required for cellular division, and rapidly dividing cancer cells over-express receptors for the vitamin. It may be possible to treat these patients more effectively with a drug attached to a folate ligand that can be delivered directly to the folate receptors on the cancer cells. Endocyte is developing other targeting ligands beyond folate that may benefit additional cancer patients.

Looking beyond cancer, we are also advancing research to develop products that can target an essential immune cell – the activated macrophage – that plays a role in a number of diseases. Activated macrophages release pro-inflammatory agents, such as TNF and IL-2, which are the target of immune-modulating drugs such as Humira, Enbrel, and Kineret.  

Working in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic and Purdue University, Endocyte has designed and validated drug guidance systems that target activated macrophages involved in inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and atherosclerosis.

 Rheumatoid Arthritis
Imaging folate-receptor immune cells using EC20-Tc99m

Atherosclerosis (Animal Model)
Imaging folate-receptor immune cells using targeted flourescence