Kit for formulation of liposomal doxorubicin modified with bioactive peptides for selective targeting of receptors overexpressed by cancer cells

A kit containing:

• a) a doxorubicin liposomal formulation;
• b) a phospholipid modified with a reactive group (compound 1), in the form of lipid or lyophilic film and in amounts ranging from 1% to 10% by weight with respect to the total lipid component, preferably from 2% to 4%;
• c) a peptide modified with a suitable reactive function (compound 2), in 1:1 stoichiometric amount to the compound 1 and with general formula:
• R-L-P
• in which:
• R is a residue containing a chemical group capable of reacting to give a stable covalent bond, with one of the chemical groups present on compound 1,
• L is absent or is an oxyethylene linker with molecular weight ranging from 100 to 1000 daltons, containing amine and carboxylic groups to form an amido bond with R and P, respectively;
• or
• L is a of natural o non-natural amino acid residue, in L or D conformation, or 2 or 3 amino acid residues sequentially bonded;
• P is a peptide with target activity to the receptors overexpressed by tumour cells belonging to the bombesin, cholecystokinin, somatostatin or neurotensin families