Evaluation of dual P-gp-BCRP inhibitors as nanoparticle formulation

Overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer is a major challenge and efforts are on-going to develop inhibitors against the most characterized and ubiquitous MDR transporters: P-glycoprotein (P-gp), multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP). Recently reported, two 4-anilinoquinazolines (compounds 1 and 2), demonstrate potential MDR reversal activity against BCRP and to a lesser extent, P-gp. In this work, we formulated the compounds as polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) and assessed their MDR inhibitory activity in relevant BCRP and P-gp over-expressing cell line models. Particles in the size range 300–365 nm with a loading efficiency of 69% (compound 1 NP) and 77% (compound 2 NP) respectively were obtained. BCRP inhibition was observed in Hoechst 33342 and pheophorbide A assays while P-gp inhibition was evaluated in calcein AM and rhodamine-123 assays. In cytotoxicity studies, while BCRP expressing cells showed complete reversal of drug resistance in nearly all treatment groups (both compounds and their respective NP); a higher reversal in NP treated group was obtained as compared with inhibitory compound treated group in P-gp expressing cells. These results demonstrate promising inhibitory activity of both formulations, especially against P-gp expressing cells; which is possibly due to a prolonged presence of encapsulated compounds in NPs and consequently a prolonged sensitization of transmembrane drug transporter. These formulations can therefore be considered as dual-transporter inhibitors and it is imperative to investigate both inhibitors in animal models of MDR owing to the presence of multiple efflux transporters in several cancer models.by Manu Smriti Singh, Kapil Juvale, Michael Wiese and Alf Lamprech

Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Alternatives: Proceedings of the Third International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress, Vishakhapatnam, 2022.

Animal experimentation has been integral to drug discovery and development and safety assessment for many years, since it provides insights into the mechanisms of drug efficacy and toxicity (e.g. pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics). However, due to species differences in physiology, metabolism and sensitivity to drugs, the animal models can often fail to replicate the effects of drugs and chemicals in human patients, workers and consumers. Researchers across the globe are increasingly applying the Three Rs principles by employing innovative methods in research and testing. The Three Rs concept focuses on: the replacement of animal models (e.g. with in vitro and in silico models or human studies), on the reduction of the number of animals required to achieve research objectives, and on the refinement of existing experimental practices (e.g. eliminating distress and enhancing animal wellbeing). For the last two years, Oncoseek Bio-Acasta Health, a 3-D cell culture-based cutting-edge translational biotechnology company, has organised an annual International Conference on 3Rs Research and Progress. This series of global conferences aims to bring together researchers with diverse expertise and interests, and provides a platform where they can share and discuss their research to promote practices according to the Three Rs principles. In November 2022, the 3rd international conference, Advances in Animal Models and Cutting-Edge Research in Al- ternatives, took place at the GITAM University in Vishakhapatnam (AP, India) in a hybrid format (i.e. online and in- person). These conference proceedings provide details of the presentations, which were categorised under five different topic sessions. It also describes a special interactive session on in silico strategies for preclinical research in oncology, which was held at the end of the first day