The INC01 peptide possesses the unique ability to specifically target neural stem cells and cancer stem cells. This rare property makes it a strategic tool for precision medicine, with the potential to transform how therapies are delivered.

By leveraging INC01, it becomes possible to precisely deliver both existing therapeutic molecules (for drug repositioning) and novel candidates in development directly to their cellular targets.

Acting as a guiding vehicle or therapeutic carrier, INC01 ensures accurate treatment targeting while efficiently crossing the blood-brain barrier, one of the major challenges in brain therapies. This opens significant new avenues for the treatment of neurological cancers and neurodegenerative diseases.

Our technology aims to optimize treatment efficacy through more precise targeting while significantly reducing associated side effects. In the context of cancer, our system also offers the potential to substantially decrease tumor recurrence, which is often driven by the resistance of cancer stem cells to standard therapies.

The versatility of our delivery platform lies in the types of molecules it can carry, whether for therapeutic, diagnostic, or theranostic purposes.

INC01 can be leveraged through two complementary strategies to effectively target neural and cancer stem cells: 

1- Delivery via Nanoparticles
In this approach, the therapeutic molecules are encapsulated in lipid nanocapsules (LNCs) or liposomes. The surface of these particles is decorated with the INC01 peptide, which acts as a targeting “beacon”, guiding the nanoparticle to the desired stem cells. This method enables protected, targeted delivery of the payload while optimizing penetration through biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier. 

2- Direct conjugation
In this second approach, INC01 is covalently linked to the molecule to be delivered. This direct coupling transforms the peptide into a true “guiding head”, ensuring that the molecule reaches its specific cellular target without any intermediate step.

These two modes of application provide flexibility to adapt the INC01 platform for different types of treatments, whether therapeutic, diagnostic, or theranostic.