GRPR-targeting peptide-drug conjugate cuts prostate tumor growth 89% in mice

The wire

1. 01Researchers report PXC-4, a peptide-drug conjugate pairing GRPR antagonist JMV-594 with monomethyl auristatin E, inhibited prostate tumor growth by 89% via lysosomal payload release.
2. 02The design shows how peptide targeting ligands are being used to steer cytotoxic and radionuclide payloads, with DOTA added for 64Cu-PET tracking and 177Lu therapy.
3. 03Findings are preclinical, published in Journal of Controlled Release; no human data, and the photodynamic arm requires 808 nm laser irradiation of the tumor site.

From the source

An indocyanine green-potentiated gastrin releasing peptide receptor-targeting multifunctional peptide-drug conjugate for prostate cancer therapy

Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · 2026 Aug 16 · Tian H, Huang Z, Liu X et al.