Nami is developing specifically designed nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, including radio-therapeutics, to tumors. Nami (which mean ‘nano’ in Mandarin) is using technologies licensed from the University of Connecticut and the University of North Carolina.

In the words of Derek Hargrove, “Our experienced team is focused on tumor-specific nanoparticle platforms to largely improve delivery efficiency, treatment efficiency and product safety. One novel product is radiotherapeutic nanoparticles containing the beta particle-emitting isotope holmium-166 (Ho-166) for the treatment of peritoneal metastasis through intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration. The Ho-166 nanoparticles are produced by a neutron activation process that minimizes the handling of these highly radioactive nanoparticles. We have demonstrated the predominant accumulation of Ho-166 nanoparticles in tumors after i.p. administration to ovarian tumor-bearing mice, resulting in a reduction in tumor burden and prolonged survival. Despite advances in treatment strategies, peritoneal metastasis remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in ovarian cancer. With 239,000 women diagnosed worldwide each year, ovarian cancer is the 7th most common cancer in women and has a five-year relative survival rate only 28%. It accounts for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Our immediate goal is to advance the Ho-166 product toward clinical trials by demonstrating its safety and efficacy in preclinical animal models.