A reversible decomposition approach for the formation of injectable, excipient-free, self-assembling nanocrystals.

Abstract

We have formulated 7-ethyl-10-hydroxy camptothecin (SN38) nanocrystals using a novel combination of reversible reactions and pharmaceutical technology. The nanocrystals are taken up more efficiently by cells and accumulate more in tumors than the commercially available camptothecin compound irinotecan (CPT-11), leading to superior anti-tumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo.