CARSKNKDC peptide

CARSKNKDC (CAR) is a cyclic 9-amino-acid peptide developed by Vascular BioSciences as a disease-targeting homing peptide and adjuvant. It specifically targets and penetrates diseased pulmonary vasculature by binding to heparan sulfate moieties expressed on cells in injured tissues, while sparing healthy vessels and other organs. CAR functions via a "bystander effect," selectively enhancing the efficacy and accumulation of co-administered therapeutics in the lungs without requiring physical conjugation to the drug. It is being investigated for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, sepsis, and COVID-19, with the goal of increasing local drug concentration while reducing systemic side effects. The peptide can be administered via sublingual (SL) or intravenous (IV) routes.

Other names

CAR AdjuvantCARSKNKDC homing peptide