SA-E-MMAE

SA-E-MMAE is a peptide-drug conjugate (PDC) composed of a self-assembling peptide amphiphile (SA-E) and the cytotoxic payload Monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). Developed by researchers at Oregon Health & Science University, the SA-E platform is designed to hitchhike on endogenous lipoproteins (LPs) in the bloodstream. This interaction prolongs circulation and facilitates transcytosis across endothelial barriers, leading to high tumor accumulation. Once internalized by cancer cells via lipid-raft-mediated uptake, the MMAE payload acts as a potent tubulin inhibitor, disrupting microtubule assembly and inducing cell cycle arrest. Preclinical studies have demonstrated significant antitumor efficacy in aggressive breast cancer and glioma models with a favorable safety profile compared to free chemotherapy.