Synthesis of Paclitaxel Derivatives for Remote Loading into Liposomes and Improved Therapeutic Effect

A series of novel paclitaxel derivatives modified by boronic acid according to the characteristics of the interaction between RB(OH)2 and different strapping agents of intraliposomal aqueous phase were designed and synthesized, which were then used to develop remote poorly water-soluble drugs loading into liposomes. Meanwhile, we screened nineteen paclitaxel boronic acid derivatives for their cytotoxic activities against three cancer cell lines (A549, HCT-116 and 4T1) and one normal cell line (LO2), and performed liposome formulation screening of active compounds. Among all the compounds, the liposome of 4d, with excellent drug-encapsulated efficiency (>95% for drug-to-lipid ratio of 0.1 w/w), was the most stable. Furthermore, the liposomes of compound 4d (8 mg/kg, 4 times) and higher dose of compound 4d (24 mg/kg, 4 times) showed better therapeutic effect than paclitaxel (8 mg/kg, 4 times) in the 4T1 tumor model in vivo, and the rates of tumor inhibition were 74.3%, 81.9% and 58.5%, respectively. This study provided a reasonable design strategy for the insoluble drugs to improve their drug loading into liposomes and anti-tumor effect in vivo.