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Please Note: The technology listed below is not available to the public at this time. This technology is in the early stage of research and requires further development before it is ready for the marketplace. The VA is currently in the process of identifying potential companies who may be interested in licensing and/or further developing the technology through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA). Through cooperative research initiatives such as these, it is our hope and goal that commercial products will be fully developed and made available to benefit veterans and others.
VA TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY BRIEF
Neu Differentiation Factor-Beta (NFD-β), a Potent Inhibitor of Angiogenesis and a Schwann-Cell Derived Factor Capable of Inducing Differentiation in Human Neuroblastoma Tumor Cells
OPPORTUNITY:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a commercial partner to further develop this technology through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA).
BACKGROUND:
Neuroblastoma is the third most common type of cancer in children. Despite the development of new therapies, the prognosis for children with late stage neuroblastoma is poor. The cure rate for these patients is less than 40 percent. Those children who do survive typically experience long-term morbidity as a result of receiving dose-intensive therapy. Thus, there is a serious need for therapeutic approaches that both improve patient survival and possess minimal toxicity (i.e., a high therapeutic index).
Tumor growth and metastasis is dependent on angiogenesis (blood vessel formation). For neuroblastoma, a strong relationship exists between the degree of tumor vascularity and the level of aggressiveness and metastatic potential. While poorly vascularized tumors respond favorably to conventional therapies, a high vascular index in neuroblastoma correlates with a poor prognosis. Thus, anti-angiogenic therapies may be the answer to combating high-risk neuroblastoma.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:
Two distinct cell populations, neuroblastic/ganglionic and Schwann stromal, comprise neuroblastoma tumors. Low-risk neuroblastomas contain an abundance of Schwann cells. In marked contrast, high-risk, highly vascularized tumors are characterized by low Schwann cell number. These observations suggested that Schwann cells influence tumor biology. Consistent with this, Schwann stromal cells have been found capable of promoting neuroblast differentiation and inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. These biological activities have been found attributable to a factor secreted by the Schwann cells. The subject invention entails utilization of the Schwann cell-derived factor as an anti-cancer agent targeting neuroblastoma.
TECHNICAL MERIT:
Conventional therapies are generally ineffective against late-stage, high-risk neuroblastoma. Because these tumors are so highly vascularized, anti-angiogenic agents may prove efficacious. Although a number of anti-angiogenic agents have been identified and shown to possess anti-tumor properties, the subject technology offers a number of advantages over these existing treatments. The strength of the subject technology resides in its ability to concomitantly inhibit angiogenesis and promote differentiation. Thus, one technology represents two anti-cancer modalities which should make it more efficacious as an anti-tumor approach. Moreover, because the biological factor is naturally occurring, systemic toxicity should be minimal. Cumulatively, these attributes suggest that the subject technology has the potential to be an effective treatment for neuroblastoma, particularly against late-stage, high-risk tumors which are refractory to conventional therapies. This novel therapy could be used independently, or in conjunction with other treatment modalities in hopes of achieving a greater anti-tumor effect.
IP STATUS:
US patent application (10/360,720) was filed on February 10, 2003.
Federal Register: July 1, 2003 (Vol. 68, No. 126) p.39237
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Saleem Sheredos
Program Manager
Technology Transfer Program
Veterans Affairs
Office of Research & Development (12TT)
5th Floor
103 South Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
202-380-5080
Fax 410.962.2141
e-mail: saleem.sheredos@va.gov