CAR peptide + dexamethasone

This combination therapy, developed by Vascular Biosciences (VBS Pharmaceuticals), consists of the CAR peptide (CARSKNKDC) and the corticosteroid dexamethasone. The CAR peptide is a synthetic 9-amino-acid cyclic peptide designed to selectively target and penetrate sites of septic-damaged tissue in organs such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys. It homes to damaged vascular endothelium and enters cells via enhanced macropinocytosis. By acting as a targeting adjuvant, the CAR peptide facilitates the localized delivery of dexamethasone, thereby enhancing its anti-inflammatory efficacy at lower doses and potentially reducing the systemic side effects associated with high-dose corticosteroid treatment. The therapy is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of COVID-19 and sepsis, with studies showing significantly improved survival rates in animal models of sepsis compared to corticosteroid treatment alone.

Other names

CAR + dexamethasoneCAR + corticosteroidCAR peptide + dexamethasone