Minimizing Inflammation While Treating Fibrosis

SLU ID 16-023 | Selective integrin antagonists for the treatment of disease

Background

Many human diseases are characterized by fibrosis associated with chronic tissue injury, loss of tissue architecture, and organ dysfunction. These conditions cause a significant amount of global morbidity and mortality. Treatment options for tissue fibrosis are severely limited. Research has demonstrated that pharmacological targeting of all α_v integrins may be efficacious for treating various fibrotic diseases.

Overview

Researchers at Saint Louis University have developed a set of related small molecule chemical compound structures that are potent and selective inhibitors of a subset of integrins shown to promote fibrosis in animal models. The profile of these compounds may be desirable for the safe and effective treatment of diseases in which the target integrins are a major pathological mediator. The compounds may also be useful for the inhibition of bone resorption.

Benefits

The potential benefits of this technology include:

• Increasing the antagonism of targeted integrins associated with fibrosis

• Minimizing the antagonism of integrins associated with increased inflammation side effects

Applications

This technology has potential application in:

• treating fibrosis

• treating osteoporosis

Opportunity

Saint Louis University is seeking a partner to further develop and commercialize this technology.