Molecular Evolution of Multivalent OncoFAP Derivatives with Enhanced Tumor Uptake and Prolonged Tumor Retention

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a protein biomarker widely expressed in most solid human malignancies of epithelial origin. In recent years, a number of FAP-targeted small organic radioligands, including OncoFAP, have been utilized in the clinic for the detection and diagnosis of cancer. Despite their selective accumulation, conventional FAP ligands present a relatively short half-life in tumors, corresponding to a few hours after systemic administration. In order to maximize their efficacy, FAP-targeted radioligand therapeutics must possess prolonged tumor retention, thus irradiating tumor cells for days. In this work, we describe the development of compact OncoFAP multimers with improved FAP affinity (low picomolar IC50s), aimed at increasing tumor-residence time for therapeutic applications. An in silico analysis of the interaction of the multimers with FAP revealed a wide and deep pocket and six additional secondary binding sites. TriOncoFAP-DOTAGA emerged for its favorable in vitro profile and superior in vivo biodistribution performance in tumor-bearing mice.