Fundings: 123 000 €
Duration: March 2024 – 18 months
Scientific Leader : Victor GONCALVES (PI of the project)
Summary
Targeted radiotherapy is increasingly used in oncology. This strategy is based on the administration of a drug labeled with a radioactive isotope, called a “radiopharmaceutical”, capable of selectively destroying cancer cells. However, this therapy has certain limitations. In particular, administration of the radiopharmaceutical causes indiscriminate irradiation of the patient’s organs until it has accumulated in the tumor. This effect limits the dose that can be delivered to the patient.
The SUPRALINK project aims to develop an innovative bioconjugation technology based on supramolecular chemistry. It enables the synthesis of radiopharmaceuticals suitable for so-called “pre-targeting” approaches. Pre-targeting involves administering a non-radiolabeled vector to the patient, capable of selectively binding to cancer cells. The therapeutic radioisotope is then administered only at a later stage, once the vector concentration has reached a maximum in the tumor and a minimum in healthy tissue.
SUPRALINK technology enables vector and radioisotope to rapidly and selectively combine in the body via supramolecular assembly. This tool extends the therapeutic window of radiopharmaceuticals, improving their safety and anti-cancer efficacy.
The SUPRALINK project was selected by CNRS Innovation in 2024 to initiate a pre-maturation program with a view to the future industrial development of the technology, with the support of SATT SAYENS.
