Vect-Horus has developed its “VECTrans®” breakthrough technology platform with the objective of making the ‘undruggable’ druggable by overcoming challenges of the BBB, and more generally biological barriers. VECTrans® is based on the specific design and optimization of ‘molecular vectors’ that, once conjugated to a payload, enable its delivery to target cells in the body. In other words, Vect-Horus’ core expertise relies on modifying pharmacokinetic (PK) and distribution profile of therapeutic or imaging candidates.
Specifically, the vectors developed by the Company target and take advantage of endogenous cell-surface receptors naturally involved in “Receptor-Mediated Transport” (RMT). This targeted delivery approach combines the advantages of not relying on invasive administration routes, and is believed to be the most effective and safest physiological pathway for the transport of macromolecules across cellular barriers.
The VECTrans® technology exploits specific receptors selected for their high uptake/endocytosis and constitutive recycling capacity, thereby allowing significant intracellular transport and accumulation of therapeutic or imaging agents. Once the vector moiety of a vector-payload complex is locked onto the appropriate receptor at the surface of BBB endothelial cells, cancer cells or any target cell type expressing such receptors, the vector-payload complex undergoes rapid internalisation and subsequent intra/transcellular trafficking. This ultimately leads to payload delivery into cells and across the BBB into the brain via transport and transcytosis processes respectively.
Thus, Vect-Horus’ VECTrans® technology enables the development of vector-therapeutic or -imaging agent complex for the diagnosis or treatment of CNS diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, or pathological conditions, including genetic disorders or cancers.