INVENTION NOVELTY
A novel glycolipid inhibitor anti-atherosclerosis drug compound able to enhance
gastro-intestinal absorption and residence time to reduce and ameliorate
effects of arteriosclerosis
VALUE PROPOSITION
Despite great success of statins (cholesterol reducing agents), little is known about
other molecules such as glycolipids that also rise with increased cholesterol
levels which contribute to plaque formation within vessels. This technology
identifies its unique role causing vessel constriction, irregular cell growth,
and proposes the use of a biopolymer capsule to enhance glycolipid inhibitor
drug delivery, absorption and half-life; more efficiently targeting molecular
pathways that lead to atherosclerosis by targeting cholesterol homeostasis, and
decreasing triglyceride levels.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Johns Hopkins researchers identified the role of glycosphingolipids in
atherosclerotic plaque formation and developed a biopolymer capsule to enhance
delivery of a glycolipid synthesis inhibitor with absorptive properties within
the circulatory system. This invention also demonstrates a direct relationship
between observed stenosis (blood vessel narrowing) seen among atherosclerotic
or inflamed vessels with elevated oxidative low density lipoproteins (OxLDL)
levels. Heightened OxLDL levels, promote lipid enzymatic activity in smooth
muscle cells that in turn amplify Lactosylceramide ; a glycosphingolipid
inflammatory signal cascades causing cell growth or lumen vessel narrowing.
However, in-vivo mouse models demonstrate that this compound can prevent
vessel constriction by increasing genes that break down lipid by-products and
diminish additional inflammatory responses.
