RNAi Therapy For Brain Tumors
- Detailed Technology Description
- Technology Summary: A novel RNAi-based therapy targeting a nuclear proteinto treat gliomas.
- Countries
- United States
- Application No.
- PCT/US2008/077119
- *Abstract
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Background: Gliomas, tumors derived from glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), account for approximately 30 percent of all primary brain tumors in adults. The median survival rate is about 12 months. Gliomas are usually treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or fractionated stereotype radio surgery.
Recent advances in molecular genetics have revealed many genetic mutations and associated signaling pathways that play a causative role in the generation of gliomas.
These advances have provided numerous candidate pathways that can be utilized in developing rational therapy rooted in the biology of the disease. It remains to be seen whether such approaches will come to fruition. There is a continued need for glioma therapies. This invention targets that unmet need.
Technology Description: This therapy targets the Nuclear Factor I (NFI) family that is expressed in all grades of human astrocytomas, the most deadly form of gliomas, and has been shown to have a causative role in the disease. NFIA inhibitors are proposed as therapeutic compositions to treat gliomas based on the elucidation of NFIA’s role in gliomas formation. The inventors propose a molecular medicine approach to inhibit NFIA using interfering RNA (RNAi). The RNAi construct has been prepared to specifically target the protein’s expression in gliomas, knockdown its expression and reduce glioma formation. Preliminary data in cell lines and animal studies is suggestive of a protective effect by this construct. Further research is in progress.
Applications:- Brain tumor treatment (gliomas and astrocytomas)
Advantages:- High specificity to the molecular target
Development Stage:- Pre-clinical proof of principle.
IP Protection: Issued U.S. patent 7,951,785
- *IP Issue Date
- None
- *IP Type
- Other Patent
- Country/Region
- USA
