PTK7-GEMs

**PTK7-GEMs** is an investigational, biomarker-targeted aptamer-drug conjugate developed in an academic preclinical program for bladder cancer. It consists of the PTK7-binding DNA aptamer **Sgc8** covalently linked through phosphodiester bonds to three gemcitabine molecules. The Sgc8 component selectively binds protein tyrosine kinase 7 on PTK7-overexpressing bladder cancer cells and promotes cellular uptake, principally through macropinocytosis. Intracellular phosphatases cleave the conjugate to release gemcitabine, which disrupts DNA synthesis and induces tumor-cell death. In published cell and animal studies, PTK7-GEMs showed selective activity against PTK7-positive bladder cancer models, including subcutaneous, lung-metastasis, and orthotopic bladder cancer models, with lower apparent systemic toxicity than unconjugated gemcitabine. It has not been reported as a clinical-stage or approved medicine.

Other names

protein tyrosine kinase 7 aptamer-gemcitabine conjugatePTK7 aptamer-gemcitabine conjugatePTK-7 aptamer-gemcitabine conjugatePTK 7 aptamer-gemcitabine conjugate