Inhibitors of Formation of Protease Resistant Prion Protein
Description of Invention:
Protease-resistant prion proteins are actively associated with various transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). These include Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) in humans and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) ("mad cow disease") in cattle.
The present invention discloses proprietary peptides and potential pharmaceutical compositions using such peptides that inhibit the formation of protease-resistant prion protein aggregates. These aggregates develop into amyloid deposits in the brain of affected patients, leading to the development of the spongiform encephalopathy. The peptides, when used in vitro inhibit such aggregation. Furthermore, when used in pharmaceutical compositions and medically relevant dosages, may be used for therapies for TSEs.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-189-1998/0 --
U.S. Patent 6,211,149 issued on 03 Apr 2001
U.S. Patent 6,355,610 issued on 12 Mar 2002
U.S. Patent Application No. 10/096,080 filed 11 Mar 2002
For Additional Information Please Contact: Robert M. Joynes J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)594-6565
Email: joynesr@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301) 402-0220
