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
