BACKNovel Composition and methods for treating Alzheimer's Disease
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 2 February 2024]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Novel Composition and methods for treating Alzheimer's Disease” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor CHAN Man Lok Andrew, Professor of School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 23/MED/1256).
The Technology
The invention aims to develop small molecule compounds for treating Alzheimer's disease by blocking the interaction between two protein molecules, PTEN and PSD-95 in neurons. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease in the aging population due to the abnormal deposition of toxic amyloid beta peptides in the brain causing cognitive and memory impairements. Current drugs used for treating this disease only alleviate the symptoms and there is a lack of effective treatment that can cure or attenuate disease progression. The inventors have previously reported that that the interaction between PTEN and PSD-95 in the post-synaptic density of dendritic spines could mediate the ability of toxic amyloid beta peptides in inducing long term depression. Hippocampal long term depression has been shown to be tightly associated with memory dysfunction. Our invention describes a drug screening workflow to identify small molecule compounds that can inhibit the interaction between PTEN and PSD-95. The workflow involves in silico screening of 100,000 compounds, in vitro screening of 206 compounds by fluorescence polarization assay, determination of the IC50 of 23 compounds, in vitro glutathione-S-transferase based pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation, testing of 5 compounds for toxicity, brain penetration ability, and in in vivo binding assay. More importantly, the inventors have tested 5 candidate compounds by standard Morris water maze memory test using 5XFAD Alzheimer’s disease mouse strain and successfully demonstrated their ability to restore memory function following the injection of these compounds through an intravenous route.
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
Novel Composition and methods for treating Alzheimer's Disease
[Licensing negotiation in progress]
[Invitation for Expression of Interest- Deadline: 2 February 2024]
We are inviting expressions of interest (EoI) for commercializing “Novel Composition and methods for treating Alzheimer's Disease” technology. The innovation is developed by Professor CHAN Man Lok Andrew, Professor of School of Biomedical Sciences of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK Reference: 23/MED/1256).
The Technology
The invention aims to develop small molecule compounds for treating Alzheimer's disease by blocking the interaction between two protein molecules, PTEN and PSD-95 in neurons. Alzheimer's disease is a progressive disease in the aging population due to the abnormal deposition of toxic amyloid beta peptides in the brain causing cognitive and memory impairements. Current drugs used for treating this disease only alleviate the symptoms and there is a lack of effective treatment that can cure or attenuate disease progression. The inventors have previously reported that that the interaction between PTEN and PSD-95 in the post-synaptic density of dendritic spines could mediate the ability of toxic amyloid beta peptides in inducing long term depression. Hippocampal long term depression has been shown to be tightly associated with memory dysfunction. Our invention describes a drug screening workflow to identify small molecule compounds that can inhibit the interaction between PTEN and PSD-95. The workflow involves in silico screening of 100,000 compounds, in vitro screening of 206 compounds by fluorescence polarization assay, determination of the IC50 of 23 compounds, in vitro glutathione-S-transferase based pull-down assay and co-immunoprecipitation, testing of 5 compounds for toxicity, brain penetration ability, and in in vivo binding assay. More importantly, the inventors have tested 5 candidate compounds by standard Morris water maze memory test using 5XFAD Alzheimer’s disease mouse strain and successfully demonstrated their ability to restore memory function following the injection of these compounds through an intravenous route.
Commercialization
The technology is now available for licensing on an exclusive basis. In order to fully realize the benefit of the technology, we expect substantial investment is necessary to enable further research and development. In addition to the financial commitment, the licensee is expected to have the appropriate expertise as well as plans in marketing and strategizing the end product to ensure successful transfer of the technology to the society. Previous or existing business involvement and experience in this area is a plus.
This invitation of expression of interest is without prejudice. We also stress that this invitation is not a tender, and the University is not bound to accept any offer, or to accept the highest monetary offer, as there are additional considerations (such as the widest possible benefit to the community) that we, as a public institution, will need to take into consideration.
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Paul Cheung
Office of Research and Knowledge Transfer Services
Professor CHAN Man Lok Andrew
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