Novel Analogues of the Natural Product Schweinfurthin with Specificity for Tumors and Other Disease Manifestations Associated wi
Posted May 01 2011 8:00pm
Description of Invention: The global anti-cancer market is forecast to reach $40 billion by 2012. There remains a significant unmet need for therapies to treat neurofibromatosis type 1 ("NF1"), a common genetic disease that afflicts 1 in 3500 people, and malignant tumors carrying NF1 mutations, including tumors of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute ("NCI")-Frederick investigating genetic influences on cancer susceptibility of the nervous system have synthesized novel analogues of Schweinfurthin, a natural compound first isolated from the tropical African plant Macaranga schweinfurthii, to which glioma and leukemia cell lines show significant sensitivity. The Schweinfurthin analogues also have inhibitory activity against mouse and human NF1 cancer cell lines. The analogues have a novel mode of action that appears to involve regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization.
These inhibitors are likely to be accepted in the marketplace because their potent, selective activity and unique specificity in mode of action gives them a distinct advantage over the mechanisms of other existing therapies.
Applications:
Therapies for tumors associated with NF1 (including brain and peripheral nervous system tumors)
Therapies for leukemia
Therapies for NF1 and associated conditions
Advantages:
Utilizes proven small-molecule technology
Specificity of mode of action may reduce potential side-effects
Turbyville TJ, et al. Schweinfurthin A selectively inhibits proliferation and Rho signaling in glioma and neurofibromatosis type 1 tumor cells in a NF1-GRD-dependent manner. Mol Cancer Ther. 2010 May;9(5):1234-1243. [ PubMed: 20442305 ]
Licensing Status: Available for licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity: The Genetic Modifiers of Tumorigenesis Section at the National Cancer Institute-Frederick is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize Schweinfurthins for the treatment of Neurofibromatosis type 1. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information. Click here to view the NCI collaborative opportunity announcement.
Portfolios: Cancer Cancer - Therapeutics
For Licensing Information Please Contact: Patrick McCue Ph.D. NIH Office of Technology Transfer 6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325, Rockville, MD 20852 United States Email: McCuepat@mail.nih.gov Phone: 301-496-7057 Fax: 301-402-0220
Description of Invention:
The global anti-cancer market is forecast to reach $40 billion by 2012. There remains a significant unmet need for therapies to treat neurofibromatosis type 1 ("NF1"), a common genetic disease that afflicts 1 in 3500 people, and malignant tumors carrying NF1 mutations, including tumors of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
Researchers at the National Cancer Institute ("NCI")-Frederick investigating genetic influences on cancer susceptibility of the nervous system have synthesized novel analogues of Schweinfurthin, a natural compound first isolated from the tropical African plant Macaranga schweinfurthii, to which glioma and leukemia cell lines show significant sensitivity. The Schweinfurthin analogues also have inhibitory activity against mouse and human NF1 cancer cell lines. The analogues have a novel mode of action that appears to involve regulation of cytoskeletal reorganization.
These inhibitors are likely to be accepted in the marketplace because their potent, selective activity and unique specificity in mode of action gives them a distinct advantage over the mechanisms of other existing therapies.
Applications:
Advantages:
Development Status:
Pre-clinical
Inventors:
Karlyne Reilly (NCI)
Patent Status:
HHS, Reference No. E-183-2009/0
PCT, Application No. PCT/US10/33153 filed 30 Apr 2010
Relevant Publication:
Licensing Status:
Available for licensing.
Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The Genetic Modifiers of Tumorigenesis Section at the National Cancer Institute-Frederick is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize Schweinfurthins for the treatment of Neurofibromatosis type 1. Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information. Click here to view the NCI collaborative opportunity announcement.
Portfolios:
Cancer
Cancer - Therapeutics
For Licensing Information Please Contact:
Patrick McCue Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd. Suite 325,
Rockville, MD 20852
United States
Email: McCuepat@mail.nih.gov
Phone: 301-496-7057
Fax: 301-402-0220
Ref No: 2063
Updated: 05/2011