M-CPA + PTX

M-CPA + PTX is a research-stage polymeric micelle nanoformulation designed for the co-delivery of cyclopamine (CPA) and paclitaxel (PTX). Cyclopamine is a Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling inhibitor that targets the Smoothened (SMO) receptor, while paclitaxel is a taxane-based cytotoxic agent that stabilizes microtubules to inhibit mitosis. This combination is specifically engineered to address the dense desmoplastic stroma of tumors like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). By modulating the tumor microenvironment—softening the extracellular matrix and increasing vascular perfusion—the formulation enhances the delivery of chemotherapy and promotes the infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, potentially reversing resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors. It has also been investigated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models.