Cu(DDC)2 liposomes

Cu(DDC)2 liposomes (also known as CuET liposomes) are a liposomal formulation of copper bis(diethyldithiocarbamate) (Cu(DDC)2), which is the active anticancer metabolite generated when disulfiram is metabolized in the presence of copper. Developed to overcome the extreme aqueous insolubility of Cu(DDC)2, this formulation encapsulates the complex within liposomes (typically composed of DSPC and cholesterol) to enable parenteral administration. Cu(DDC)2 liposomes exert their therapeutic effects primarily by binding to nuclear protein localization protein 4 (NPL4), a critical cofactor of the p97/VCP segregase in the ubiquitin-proteasome system. This binding induces NPL4 aggregation and immobilizes the p97-NPL4-UFD1 complex, triggering severe proteotoxic stress, heat shock response, and immunogenic cell death (ICD) in cancer cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant anti-tumor activity in breast cancer, colon cancer, neuroblastoma, and leukemia models.

Other names

Cu(DDC)2 liposomeCuET liposomesLP-CuETLPCuETcopper bis(diethyldithiocarbamate) liposomescopper diethyldithiocarbamate liposomes