C10816: Wound Healing Therapeutic Based on Protective Anti-inflammatory Receptor
Value Proposition:
JHU scientists have recently determined that mitochondria contain functional Angiotensin (AT) receptors which are anti-inflammatory and potential targets for agents that protect and preserve mitochondrial function, possibly through anti-inflammatory properties and through the optimization of mitochondrial function. This is the first discovery of AT receptors localized to mitochondria. JHU inventors found that a known group of AT receptor binding compounds can modulate mitochondrial AT receptor activity. Further, they have determined that a novel topical formulation of the receptor binding compounds significantly stimulate soft tissue repair and healing of full thickness dermal wounds in a diabetic rodent wound model.
- Drug delivery directly to a wound allows an optimal therapeutic effect and reduces the risk of systemic side effects associated with systemic drug delivery.
- Animal data is available demonstrating significantly enhanced wound healing in response to administration of the topical therapeutic agent.
- Use of known, clinically approved drug compounds in novel formulations may speed regulatory approval and speed time to market.
Technical Details:
Wound care is a serious health issue across the globe as populations age and the incidence of wound-promoting illnesses, such as diabetes and obesity rapidly increase. Worldwide prevalence of wounds is approximately 161 million, including diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers and burns. Although the wound care industry was estimated to be worth over $14 billion globally in 2010, a paucity of effective treatment options and rapidly increasing costs demonstrate a clear unmet medical need for an effective wound healing therapeutic.
Wound healing is a complex physiological process involving multiple cell signaling cascades to repair tissue and fight infection. There is a strong link between wound healing and production of bactericidal reactive oxygen species (ROS) by mitochondria, a subcellular organelle. Chronic inflammatory pathway activation may actually slow wound healing after initially helping to stabilize it. Further understanding of the molecular biology that addresses inflammation and optimal mitochondria function is key to therapeutics for wound healing, aging, and disease pathways.
Looking for Partners:
This technology could potentially be developed and commercialized as a composition and a therapeutic method for acceleration of healing of any soft tissue injury including wounds, scars and inflammatory skin conditions.
Publications/Associated Cases:
PNAS 2011 Sep 6;108(36):14849-54. Epub 2011 Aug 18.
