Method of Treating or Preventing Oxidative Stress-Related Diseases

Background:
The National Institute on Aging, Laboratory of Neurosciences is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize a uric acid analogue for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, wound healing and cardiovascular disease.

• Stroke is the third-leading cause of death and the leading cause of severe neurological disability worldwide.
• Americans will pay approximately $62.7 billion dollars in 2007 for stroke-related medical costs and disability.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) produce oxidative stress to DNA, lipids and proteins thus causing cellular and tissue damage. A number of diseases are associated with oxidative stress including Alzheimer's disease, ischemic stroke, heart disease, cancer, hepatitis, and autoimmune disease. Uric acid is a natural antioxidant effective in reducing ROS and research has shown that uric acid contributes approximately two-thirds of all free radical scavenging capacity in plasma.

Technology:
Because uric oxide is too insoluble to be used as a therapeutic agent, scientists at the NIH developed uric acid analogs with improved anti-oxidative and solubility properties for use as free radical scavengers or antioxidants. These analogs increased survival of PC12 and hippocampal neurons after challenge by Fe, MPP and Glutamate. When administered to a mouse model of focal ischemic stroke, these compounds protect neuronal cells from ROS and reduce brain damage and ameliorate neurological deficits. Other studies show a single application of these analogs on skin lacerations in mice decreased the time for wound repair. Available for licensing are methods of treating ischemic stroke and wound healing, and for the prevention or treatment of other oxidative stress-related diseases, such as epilepsy, Parkinson's disease and dementia. Available for licensing.

Value Proposition:
Novel uric acid analogs for use as antioxidants to help reduce the risk of stroke, neurological diseases and assisting with wound repair.

R&D Status:  Pre-clinical

IP Status: U.S. Provisional Application filed Aug 2006

Contact Information:
John D. Hewes, Ph.D.
NCI Technology Transfer Center
Phone: 301-435-3121
E-mail: Hewesj@mail.nih.gov

Reference:  #555 VC