Mechanism of Action

BXQ-350 has an entirely new and novel mechanism of action. Studies strongly suggest that specific tumor targeting is the result of targeting phosphatidylserine patches that are characteristic of tumor cells and neovasculature; and that apoptosis results from activation of acid sphingomyelinase, subsequent generation of ceramide, and elevated levels of caspase [Qi et al. (2009) Clin Cancer Res 15(18):5840–5851; Grammatikos et al. (2007) Antioxidants & Redox Sign. 9:1449-1456].

Healthy Cell

Double layer cell membrane; inner and outer membrane.

In normal healthy cells phosphatidylserines (PS) are found in high concentration on the inner cell membrane and phosphatidylcholine (PC) are found in high concentration on the outer cell membrane
Tumor Cell

In tumor cells, and the blood vessels that feed tumors, some of the phosphatidylserines (PS) moves to the OUTSIDE of the cell membrane to help avoid inflammation and immune response.
BXQ-350

BXQ-350 is attracted to phosphatidylserines (PS) on the outer side of the membrane.
BXQ-350 fuses with Tumor Cells

BXQ-350 fuses with phosphatidylserines (PS) on tumor cells, bringing SapC into the cell membrane.

BXQ-350 catalyzes ASM, an enzyme that produces ceramide.

Ceramide is a “suicide signal” to the tumor cell, making it kill itself.

Mechanism of Action

Healthy Cell

Tumor Cell

BXQ-350

BXQ-350 fuses with Tumor Cells