In Vivo Pharmacokinetics, Bio-Distribution and anti-Tumor Activity of Docetaxel-Loaded Folate Targeted Biocompatible Polymeric Micelles

Abstract

Anti-tumor agent, docetaxel (DTX), was incorporated into novel pre-synthesized pH-triggered folate-targeted polymeric micelles to overcome insufficient drug accumulation at the tumor site and to reduce side effects in healthy tissues. Tumor growth inhibition rate (87.8), elimination half-life (7.15 h), and tumor targeting efficiency (74.3) for the targeted micellar formulation were significantly improved compared to those of free DTX (52.14, 4.98 h, and 52.92 respectively). Overall, the findings of the current study showed that folate-targeted micelle is a potential targeting drug delivery system improving the efficacy of anticancer drugs through selective targeting of tumor tissues.