New Tumor Endothelial Markers: Genes that Distinguish Physiological and Pathological Angiogenesis
Description of Invention:
Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is associated with normal physiological processes such as wound healing, ovulation or menstruation as well as with many diseases. Presently, it is thought to be required for the progressive growth of solid tumors and age-related macular degeneration. Lack of disease-specific endothelial markers has hindered the development of cancer therapies targeted against angiogenesis.
This invention describes specific markers that can be used to identify tumor angiogenesis, separate from normal physiological angiogenesis. Several markers have been identified which may serve as potential targets for tumor vessels by using comparative gene expression analysis on various normal and tumor endothelial cells. Furthermore, the invention describes several organ-specific endothelial markers that can aid in the selective delivery of molecular medicine to specific sites. For example, brain endothelial markers (BEMs) and liver endothelial markers (LEMs) described herein could potentially be used to direct molecular medicine specifically to these tissues.
The novel tumor endothelial markers (TEMs) described in this invention also have potential diagnostic ability. These markers can be used to distinguish between normal and tumor tissues. Some of the secreted TEMs can serve as surrogate markers in the determination of the optimum biological dose (OBD) for the current anti-angiogenic drugs in clinical trials.
Applications and Modality:
Novel therapeutic targets associated with tumor vessels
New agents can be developed against these novel targets
Novel endothelial markers that distinguish pathological angiogenesis from normal physiological angiogenesis
Surrogate tumor endothelial markers that can be used to determine optimal biological dose (OBD) of anti-angiogenic drugs
Market:
Sales of the first FDA approved anti-angiogenic drug Avastin™ has reached $600 million.
Another promising anti-angiogenic molecule, Thalidomide™, has been approved as an anti-cancer agent and for other use in Europe and Australia.
Development Status:
The technology is currently in the pre-clinical stage of development.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-285-2006/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/858,068 filed 09 Nov 2006
DHHS Reference No. E-285-2006/1 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/879,457 filed 08 Jan 2007
DHHS Reference No. E-285-2006/2 --
PCT Application No. PCT/US2007/072395 filed 28 Jun 2007, which published as WO 2008/057632 on 15 May 2008
Relevant Publication: A Nanda and B St. Croix. Tumor endothelial markers: new targets for cancer therapy. Curr Opin Oncol. 2004 Jan;16(1):44-49. [PubMed abs]
Licensing Status: Available for exclusive and non-exclusive licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The NIH National Cancer Institute, Tumor Angiogenesis Section, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize specific biomarkers that can be used to identify tumor angiogenesis. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301/435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information.
Portfolios: Cancer
Cancer -Diagnostics-In Vitro-MAb Based Cancer -Diagnostics Cancer -Therapeutics
For Additional Information Please Contact: Adaku Nwachukwu J.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: 301 435-5560
Email: madua@mail.nih.gov
Fax: 301 402-0220
