Inventors:
John T. Isaacs - Baltimore MD
Samuel R. Denmeade - Baltimore MD
S. Brogger Christensen - Copenhagen, DK
Hans Lilja - Skanor, SE
Assignee:
The Johns Hopkins University - Baltimore MD
International Classification:
A61K 3800
US Classification:
514 13, 514 14, 514 15, 514 16, 514 17, 514 18, 530326, 530327, 530328, 530329, 530330
Abstract:
The invention provides novel peptide prodrugs which contain cleavage sites specifically cleaved by prostate specific antigen (PSA). These prodrugs are useful for substantially inhibiting the non-specific toxicity of a variety of therapeutic drugs. PSA is secreted by prostatic glandular cells. Upon cleavage of the prodrug by PSA, the therapeutic drugs are activated and exert their toxicity. Novel sesquiterpene--lactones are also provided by the invention, and are designed to be linked to carrier moieties such as the peptides of the invention. Methods for treating cell proliferative disorders are also featured in the invention.