RU-SST

RU-SST is a biohybrid therapeutic candidate consisting of a ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex conjugated to the tumor-associated peptide somatostatin. It is designed for the targeted treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by exploiting the overexpression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) on AML cells and leukemic stem cell (LSC) candidates. Upon binding to SSTRs, RU-SST is internalized via receptor-mediated endocytosis and selectively accumulates in the lysosomes. As a photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent, the ruthenium component acts as a photosensitizer that, when activated by light, generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce lysosomal membrane permeabilization and subsequent cell death. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that RU-SST significantly reduces the clonogenic growth of various AML cell lines and primary patient samples while exhibiting minimal toxicity toward healthy CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells.

Other names

ruthenium-somatostatin conjugateRu-somatostatin