Batrachotoxins as Unique Activators of Sodium Channels
Description of Invention:
Natural products provide a wide range of biologically active agents, many of which have unique pharmacological activity and therapeutic potential. The present invention relates to the identification and characterization of two alkaloids, namely, 'batrachotoxin' and 'homobatrachotoxin,' isolated from extracts of amphibian skin. Biologically, both these agents are potent activators of sodium channels. The sodium channels are primarily expressed in peripheral nerve cells in pain pathways, where they regulate cellular excitability. Thus, these channels are drug targets for the treatment of pain and/or peripheral neuropathies. The use of batrachotoxin or homobatrachotoxin as research tools is applicable to sodium channel studies related to the effects of local anesthetics, analgesics, antiarrythmics and anticonvulsants. Further, advancement of these studies and target validation present commercial opportunities to expand ion channel drug discovery into new therapeutic areas.
Inventors:
John W. Daly (NIDDK)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-237-2001/0 -- Research Tool
Portfolios: Gene Based Therapies Central Nervous System
Central Nervous System -Therapeutics-Neurological Therapeutics-Narcotics and Analgesics Central Nervous System -Therapeutics-Neurological Therapeutics-Anticonvulsants Central Nervous System -Therapeutics-Neurological Therapeutics-Stroke Central Nervous System -Therapeutics Gene Based Therapies -Research Materials
For Additional Information Please Contact: Tara L. Kirby Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
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Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4426
Email: tarak@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
