ND-PXL

ND-PXL (also known as ND2PXL or ND(PXL)) is a proteolytically activated nanodendron-based prodrug designed for the targeted delivery of paclitaxel (PXL) to the tumor microenvironment. Developed by researchers at Vanderbilt University, ND-PXL consists of a polyester dendron scaffold conjugated to paclitaxel via a matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)-cleavable peptide linker. In the presence of MMP9, which is highly expressed in aggressive and metastatic tumors, the peptide linker is cleaved, selectively releasing the cytotoxic paclitaxel payload within the tumor microenvironment. This targeted activation mechanism significantly enhances therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicities, particularly peripheral neuropathy, a common dose-limiting side effect associated with standard paclitaxel formulations such as Abraxane.

Other names

MMP9-activated nanodendron-paclitaxel prodrugMMP-9-activated nanodendron-paclitaxel prodrugMMP 9-activated nanodendron-paclitaxel prodrugnanodendron-paclitaxelnanodendron-paclitaxel prodrug