The startup has developed a dermal-targeted delivery system that utilizes a small molecule ligand to enhance the uptake of nanoparticles by Langerhans cells. This technology enables medical practitioners to effectively recognize foreign pathogens and induce systemic immune responses against cancer and infectious diseases.
Funding
$2.2M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Current vaccine and immunotherapy approaches often lack precise targeting, leading to off-target effects, dose limitations, and suboptimal immune responses. Effective delivery of immunomodulatory agents to specific immune cells, such as Langerhans cells, remains a challenge. This limits the efficacy and tolerability of treatments for infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Solution
Cutanos has developed the Langerhans Cell Targeted Delivery System (LC-TDS), a novel platform for directing mRNA and other immunomodulating agents specifically to Langerhans cells (LCs) in the skin. The LC-TDS utilizes a small molecule ligand to enhance the uptake of nanoparticles by LCs, a type of dendritic cell crucial for initiating immune responses. This targeted approach minimizes uptake by off-target cells, potentially reducing side effects and enabling significant dose sparing. The modular design of the LC-TDS allows for flexible adaptation to various applications, including next-generation vaccines and therapies for autoimmune diseases. Administration via minimally invasive microneedles or microinjectors enhances patient compliance and safety.
Target Audience
The primary target audience includes pharmaceutical companies and research institutions developing vaccines and immunotherapies, particularly those focused on infectious diseases, cancer, and autoimmune disorders.
Features
- Ligand-based nanoparticle delivery system targeting Langerhans cells in the skin
- Modular platform adaptable for mRNA, protein antigens, and other immunomodulatory agents
- Minimally invasive administration via microneedles or microinjectors
- Potential for dose sparing and reduced off-target effects
- Applications in vaccine development, cancer immunotherapy, and autoimmune disease treatment
- Compatibility with various nanoparticle formulations, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)