Methods for Enhancing Beta Cell Function in Diabetes
Description of Invention:
Diabetes results when beta cell performance is compromised through loss of cells or by reduced cell function. Anti-diabetic drugs that stimulate insulin production, such as sulfonylureas and meglitinides, have limited efficacy when beta cell responsiveness is deficient. There exists a critical need, therefore, for new diagnostics and therapeutics that focus on beta cell responsiveness in diabetes.
This technology describes methods for improving pancreatic endocrine function and delaying the onset of diabetes by enhancing beta cell function using ligands and/or regulators of Notch receptors. These methods are directed not only to mature beta cells, but to immature beta cells and to beta cells formed from differentiation of stem cells. This technology also describes isolated pancreatic progenitor cells, and offers an effective method for identifying and isolating these cells using Notch receptor markers.
Applications:
Treatment for diabetes that enhances beta cell function or replaces lost beta cells
Isolation and expansion of pancreatic progenitor cells for diabetes therapy
Diagnostic test to monitor beta cell function
Market:
Over 20 million people suffer from diabetes in the United States, and approximately 170 million people are affected worldwide.
There are an estimated 6.2 million undiagnosed cases of diabetes in the United States.
Development Status:
Pre-clinical data are available.
Inventors:
Josephine M. Egan et al. (NIA)
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-262-2003/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/590,281 filed 22 Jul 2004
PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/026207 filed 22 Jul 2005, which published as WO 2006/023209 on 02 Mar 2006
Licensing Status: Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Tara L. Kirby Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4426
Email: tarak@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
