ALN-Cytotoxics

ALN-Cytotoxics is an IND-enabling, lactate-responsive drug delivery system developed by Alnair Therapeutics. The platform consists of a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) loaded with a cytotoxic payload (such as doxorubicin) and sealed with a proprietary lactate-reactive "smart cap". This cap is composed of a peroxide-sensitive linker that binds the MSN surface to cyclodextrin, which is functionalized with the enzyme lactate oxidase. In the lactate-rich tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristic of the Warburg effect, lactate oxidase converts lactate to hydrogen peroxide. This local increase in hydrogen peroxide triggers the self-immolation of the peroxide-sensitive linker, removing the cap and selectively releasing the cytotoxic payload. This localized release mechanism is designed to enhance the therapeutic index of chemotherapy, allowing for dose intensification while minimizing systemic toxicities, such as chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity. ALN-Cytotoxics is being developed for the treatment of solid tumors, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and sarcoma.