DSPE-PEG(2000) Folate A88124 (Previously 880124) 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[folate(polyethylene glycol)-2000] (ammonium salt)

Folate receptors are cellular surface markers for numerous solid tumors and myeloid leukemias. Avanti now offers a derivative, DSPE-PEG-folate, which can be incorporated into liposomes as a targeting ligand.

Folate targeted drug delivery has emerged as an alternative therapy for the treatment and imaging of many cancers and inflammatory diseases. Due to its small molecular size and high binding affinity for cell surface folate receptors (FR), folate conjugates have the ability to deliver a variety of molecular complexes to pathologic cells without causing harm to normal tissues. Complexes that have been successfully delivered to FR expressing cells, to date, include protein toxins, immune stimulants, chemotherapeutic agents, liposomes, nanoparticles, and imaging agents. This review will summarize the applications of folic acid as a targeting ligand and highlight the various methods being developed for delivery of therapeutic and imaging agents to FR-expressing cells.

Hilgenbrink, A.R., Low, P.S. (2005). Folate Receptor-Mediated Drug Targeting: From Therapeutics to Diagnostics. Wiley-Liss, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 94:2135–2146.