Polysacchocride prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with enhanced target specificity for galectin-3 expressing cancers

摘要

This application discloses embodiments of a novel prodrug and its method of synthesis. The prodrug comprises a galactose-containing polysaccharide covalently linked to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The galactose residues that are part of the backbone of the galactose-containing polysaccharide mediate the binding between the prodrug and the lectin galectin-3 which is expressed in various cancers. The galactose-containing polysaccharide is isolated from various plant material and covalently bonded to 5-FU. Various formulations (parenteral, or other local or systemic forms) can be used to administer this 5-FU-releasing prodrug to target galectin-3 expressing cancers.