Value Proposition:
· Nanoparticle-based delivery of therapeutic that enhances intestinal sodium absorption
· Broad clinical applications in severe diarrhea, whether acute or chronic
· Effective treatment across heterogeneous presentations of diarrhea
· Appropriate for patients of all ages
Technology Description
· Researchers at Johns Hopkins have developed a nanoparticle delivery system for the treatment of acute and/or chronic diarrhea.
· The nanoparticle is linked to a peptide that stimulates intestinal sodium absorption by targeting sodium–hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3).
Unmet Need
· Diarrhea accounts for 2.5 million deaths worldwide annually and is a top-five leading cause of death in children under 5 years old.
· Acute diarrhea is preventable, and treatment focuses on rehydration. Chronic diarrhea, however, requires more intensive clinical management.
· There are limited drug therapy options for patients with severe diarrhea.
· Therefore, there is a strong need to develop a single drug therapy that can treat both acute and chronic diarrhea, regardless of the underlying cause.
Stage of Development
· Demonstrated intestinal sodium absorption in mouse models of cholera, traveler's diarrhea, and inflammation related diarrhea.
· Looking for partners to develop and commercialize this pre-clinical technology as therapy for acute and chronic diarrhea.
Publication:
Zachos, N., et al., "A peptide mimicking the NHE3 C-Terminus stimulates basal and blocks CA2+ and cAMP inhibition of NHE3 activity, and prevents cholera toxin-induced mouse jejunal fluid accumulation: potential role as drug therapy for diarrhea", Gastroenterology, (May 2012) vol. 142, No. 5, Supplement 1, p. S-1.
Additional manuscript currently under review.
