Treatment of Drug Abuse by Preventing GAPDH Nitrosylation

Case ID:
C12097

C12097: Novel Treatment for Cocaine Drug Abuse

Novelty:

A novel therapeutic strategy for cocaine abuse using known compounds.

Value Proposition:

Cocaine is a powerful addictive stimulant that causes psychological dependence and brain damage. Currently there are no FDA-approved drug for cocaine addiction and overdose, even though it is one of the most serious drugs of abuse. This invention is a treatment for cocaine abuse developed based on a newly identified molecular pathway of cocaine signaling. Advantages of the invention include:

• Able to decrease cocaine-mediated effects potently
• Possesses neuroprotective properties against neurotoxicity caused by cocaine overdose
• Oral administration
• Pathway can be used to develop other anti-cocaine drugs apart from known compounds
• Has potential in the development of medication for other drugs of abuse similar to cocaine

Technical Details:

Johns Hopkins researchers have identified a molecular pathway of cocaine signaling and developed a novel treatment by targeting this pathway. Specifically, cocaine signals by stimulating the NO-GAPDH signaling cascade involving nuclear translocation of GAPDH to alter transcriptional events. Two monoamine oxidase-D inhibitors were found to potently block the activation of the NO-GAPDH cascade and decrease the behavioral effects of cocaine when administered in mice, thereby serving as potent drugs for cocaine abuse. This pathway can also be used as a target to develop treatments for other abusive drugs that also act via the activation of the NO-GAPDH pathway.

Looking for Partners:

To commercialize this invention as a novel treatment for relieving the behavioral and neurotoxic effects of cocaine.

Stage of Development:

Preclinical

Data Availability:

Animal Data

Publications/Associated Cases:

Neuron. 2013 May 22;78(4):623-30

Patent Information:
Title App Type Country Serial No. Patent No. File Date Issued Date Expire Date Patent Status
TREATMENT OF DRUG ABUSE BY PREVENTING GAPDH NITROSYLATION PCT: Patent Cooperation Treaty United States 14/763,956 9,937,144 7/28/2015 4/10/2018 1/30/2033 Granted
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For Information, Contact:
Vera Sampels
vsampel2@jhu.edu
410-614-0300
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