See the DrugPatentWatch profile for albumin

Albumin binding plays a significant role in enhancing the delivery of paclitaxel, a widely used chemotherapy drug. Paclitaxel is a hydrophobic compound, which makes it challenging to deliver effectively due to its limited solubility in water [1]. This is where albumin, a common plasma protein, comes into play.

Albumin has the ability to bind and transport various types of molecules throughout the body, including drugs. In the case of paclitaxel, albumin binding enhances its delivery in several ways:

1. Solubilization: By binding to albumin, paclitaxel becomes more soluble in water, which facilitates its administration and distribution within the body [1].

2. Targeting: The albumin-paclitaxel complex can selectively accumulate in tumor tissues due to the increased permeability of tumor vasculature and reduced lymphatic drainage, a phenomenon known as the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect [2]. This targeted delivery of paclitaxel to tumor sites can potentially improve its therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.

3. Protection: Albumin binding can protect paclitaxel from degradation and clearance, increasing its circulation time and allowing for more efficient drug delivery [3].

A notable example of albumin-bound paclitaxel is Abraxane, which is approved by the FDA for the treatment of various cancers, including metastatic breast cancer [4]. Abraxane is formed by the conjugation of paclitaxel with albumin, taking advantage of the aforementioned benefits of albumin binding.

In summary, albumin binding enhances paclitaxel delivery by increasing its solubility, facilitating targeted delivery to tumor sites, and protecting the drug from degradation and clearance.

Sources:
[1] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Paclitaxel. Retrieved from https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/paclitaxel
[2] Maeda, H., Fang, J., Wu, J., Sawa, T., Matsumura, Y., & Hori, K. (2013). Tumor vascular permeability and the enhanced permeability and retention effect. Vascular pharmacology, 59(2), 157-165.
[3] Gabizon, A., & Martin, F. (2017). Nanomedicines for cancer therapy: the case of albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-paclitaxel). Journal of controlled release, 255, 123-132.
[4] FDA. (2013). FDA approves Abraxane for pancreatic cancer. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-abraxane-pancreatic-cancer