Self-assembled drug delivery systems. Part 7: Hepatocyte-targeted nanoassemblies of an adefovir lipid derivative with cytochrome P450-triggered drug release

A novel strategy was used in the design of self-assembled drug delivery systems (SADDSs) in this study. The nanoassemblies of an amphiphilic adefovir lipid derivative were prepared and demonstrated to have the functions of hepatocyte targeting, enzyme-triggered drug release and high anti-hepatitis effect. An amphiphilic adefovir lipid derivative, N-lauroyl-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-1,3-propanyl phosphonyl adefovir (LCPA) was prepared and formed the nanoassemblies by injecting the mixture of LCPA and another amphiphilic polymer, D-galactide polyoxyethylene (20) cetyl ether (GPCE) (ca. 20:1, mol/mol) into water. The nanoassemblies were very stable and showed negative charge. LCPA was sensitive to the cytochrome P-450 isozymes that were expressed predominantly in the hepatocytes to produce adefovir. GPCE contained a long hydrophilic chain and a galactose ligand targeting the asialoglycoprotein receptors overexpressed on the surface of hepatocytes. The nanoassemblies showed the long-circulating and liver targeting effects according to the results of pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and fluorescence imagination after bolus intravenous administration of the nanoassemblies to the mice. The highly efficient hepatitis B treatment was achieved by 10 day continuous administration of the nanoassemblies to the HBV-infected mice. Many functions were combined in the nanoassemblies, including prodrug, molecular self-assembly, nanotechnology, long-circulating, hepatocyte targeting and hepatocyte over expressing enzyme-triggered drug release. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.