Novel Small Molecules for Promoting Nerve Regeneration
John Bixby, Vance Lemmon, Lynn Usher (UM), Young-Tae Chang, Jae-Wook Lee and Jaeki Min (NYU).
Problem
There are no existing therapies to promote CNS axon regeneration in humans. As reported in the scientific literature, current studies in animal models are problematic due to delivery and efficacy issues related to the wide distribution and multiple functions of potential therapeutic targets.
Solution
Researchers at the University of Miami have identified a novel family of small molecules that are potent and selective in promoting neuronal growth through novel mechanisms.
Competitive Advantage
Potent and selective
novel mechanisms that could lead to new therapy strategies.
Applications
May be used to treat these and other conditions:
Stroke
Multiple Sclerosis
Traumatic Brain Injury
Spinal Cord Injury
Glaucoma
Alzheimer's Disease
Parkinson
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Patent Status
International Patent Application WO/2008/121387 published October 9, 2008.
Licensing Opportunity
The University of Miami is seeking a company to license a family of novel small molecules that can significantly promote neuronal growth.
About the Inventors
John Bixby, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and Vance Lemmon, Ph.D., The Walter G. Ross Distinguished Chair in Developmental Neuroscience and Professor of Neurosurgery at the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, have each been federally funded by the NIH and the NSF for more than 20 years, and together they have published more than 150 peer-reviewed papers. They are currently funded by the NIH and the U.S. Army as well as three different private foundations for their work aimed at novel therapeutics to treat traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury.
Dr. Lemmon's previous work has been licensed to a major pharmaceutical company.
