Nonshrinkable Thermosensitive Hydrogels Combined with Bispecific Anti-PSMA/CD3 T-Cell Engager for Effective Against

Pu-Sheng Wei1, Po-Yu Chou1, Hao-Yi Hsu2

  • 1School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.

Abstract

Insights

Thermosensitive hydrogels loaded with bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) improve prostate cancer treatment by enabling sustained drug release and enhancing T-cell activity. This delivery system offers a promising approach for solid tumor therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Immunotherapy

Background:

  • Bispecific T-cell engagers (BiTEs) show promise for solid tumors but face challenges like short half-lives.
  • Thermosensitive hydrogels offer a potential solution for enhanced stability and sustained release of BiTEs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate PEGylated PLGA thermosensitive hydrogels (nsTPPgels) for controlled subcutaneous delivery of a bispecific anti-prostate surface membrane antigen (PSMA) /anti-CD3 T-cell engager (BiPTE).
  • To assess the in vitro and in vivo performance of nsTPPgels for sustained BiPTE release and enhanced anti-tumor efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • PEGylated PLGA thermosensitive hydrogels (nsTPPgels) were developed and characterized for rheological properties and in vitro drug release.
  • Hydrogels loaded with BiPTE were evaluated for in vivo pharmacokinetics, anti-tumor efficacy in an LNCaP-xenograft mouse model, and T-cell recruitment.

Main Results:

  • nsTPPgels demonstrated injectable properties below 27 °C and formed localized depots at physiological temperatures for sustained BiPTE release.
  • In vivo studies showed significant tumor growth inhibition (up to 113.1%) with nsTPPgels, prolonged drug half-life, and effective T-cell recruitment to tumors.
  • Compared to conventional administration, nsTPPgels significantly improved anti-tumor efficacy and T-cell localization.

Conclusions:

  • Injectable thermosensitive D2gel offers a convenient and effective platform for sustained delivery of antibody-based therapeutics like BiPTE.
  • This hydrogel system holds potential for improving antibody drug delivery and treating solid tumors.

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