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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
Pro-Inflammatory Fibrinopeptide
(#00-045)
OPPORTUNITY:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a commercial partner to license and/or further develop this technology through a Cooperative R&D Agreement (CRADA) to expedite bringing it to market.
BACKGROUND:
According to studies by the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 40 million people in the US have arthritis or some other rheumatic condition. By the year 2020, this number is expected to reach 59 million. Rheumatic diseases are the leading cause of disability among adults age 65 and older. The treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has two clinical objectives: reduction of symptomatic pain and inflammation, and the prevention of joint damage. Scientists are experimenting with new drugs and biological agents that selectively block certain immune system activities associated with inflammation. Recent studies suggest that these represent promising approaches to treatment. Current therapy for RA consists of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), a disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and as the disease progresses, oral steroids. The development of an effective and safe DMARD is acknowledged to be one of the greatest unmet needs in the pharmaceutical industry.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:
The VA has discovered and characterized a new and distinct pathway driving inflammation in joints afflicted by RA and/or other inflammatory diseases, which may lead to the design and development of an effective DMARD. The subject DMARD technology is based on the hypothesized relationship between fibrin sequences and the promotion or inhibition of inflammation on fibroblastic cells. The current stage of development of this invention is basic research. This research, however, has a clear path to applied research and potential product development.
TECHNICAL MERIT:
The VA has discovered the relationship of a tetrapeptide to RA. Knowing that a specific small molecule (the tetrapeptide) reacts with a receptor, probably a protein, on the surface of the synovial fibroblast, makes it feasible to identify the receptor with the aid of genetic databases, to clone it, and to confirm its identity as the receptor for the tetrapeptide. Once identified and cloned, the receptor can become a powerful research tool. If it proves to be involved in a critically important pathway for the inflammation of RA, it could be used to design powerful DMARDs. This new approach, i.e., identifying a molecular interaction involved with the disease process and experimenting with drugs to block it, is considered an exciting advancement in the search for new drugs and treatments against rheumatic diseases.
The subject technology appears to have potential applications in combating inflammation in synovial joints, such as RA, and inflammation associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and other rheumatic conditions.
PATENT STATUS:
Federal Register: March 7, 2002 (Vol.67, No.45) p.10487
US patent issued on June 21, 2005 (6,908,899)
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
Last Updated - April 21, 2009