PETTRA

PETTRA (PLK1 and EGFR Targeted Therapy and Radiation Sensitizer), also known as C-siPLK1-NP, is a nanoparticle-based therapeutic being developed by PDX Pharmaceuticals in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Built on the proprietary Pdx-NP nanoparticle delivery platform, it contains two active components: cetuximab (an anti-EGFR antibody) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). Cetuximab serves as both a cancer-homing agent to target EGFR-positive cells and an inhibitor of EGFR signaling. Once internalized, the siRNA component reduces PLK1 expression, leading to G2/M cell cycle arrest and impaired DNA repair capacity. This dual mechanism is designed to sensitize cancer cells to radiation therapy. PETTRA is currently in Phase II development for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly metastatic cases.

Brand names

PETTRA

Other names

PLK1 and EGFR Targeted Therapy and Radiation SensitizerPLK-1 and EGFR Targeted Therapy and Radiation SensitizerPLK 1 and EGFR Targeted Therapy and Radiation Sensitizer