nab-paclitaxel

Nab-paclitaxel is a Cremophor EL-free, albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of the natural taxane paclitaxel. It is designed to improve the delivery and reduce the toxicity of traditional solvent-based paclitaxel by binding hydrophobic paclitaxel to human serum albumin nanoparticles. Nab-paclitaxel acts as an antineoplastic agent by binding to and stabilizing microtubules, preventing their depolymerization, which inhibits cellular motility, mitosis, and replication. This results in cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells. The use of albumin as a carrier allows for enhanced tumor penetration via gp60-receptor-mediated transcytosis and potential interaction with SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) within tumors[1][6][8]. Nab-paclitaxel is primarily indicated for breast cancer (especially after failure or intolerance to standard therapies), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and metastatic pancreatic cancer (usually in combination with gemcitabine)[2][3][4][8]. It was developed to avoid toxic solvents like Cremophor EL used in conventional formulations.

Brand names

Abraxane

Other names

albumin-bound paclitaxel