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Selective Voltage Gated KV1.3 Potassium Channel Inhibitors

Technology Benefits

Treats issues such as organ rejection and/or graft vs. host diseaseTreats autoimmune disorders (blood, endocrine, GI, musculoskeletal, ophthalmologic, skin nervous, vascular)Regulates energy homeostasis, body weight, and peripheral insulin sensitivity

Technology Application

Autoimmune diseasesOrgan rejection and/or graft vs. host diseaseDiseases and disorders that involve abnormal homeostasis, body weight and peripheral insulin sensitivity

Detailed Technology Description

T-lymphocytes are key players in autoimmune diseases. Current therapies for T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases typically involve the use of immunosuppressants. Immunosuppressants are non-specific and as a result have severe side effects including liver and renal damage. There is a need for new targeted therapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases with lower risk for side effects. Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have developed a new class of small-molecule inhibitors that block low nanomolar Kv1.3 potassium channels. By targeting Kv1.3 channels, the predominate potassium channel in effector memory T cells, the molecules preferentially suppress T-cell proliferation. Kv1.3 channels have also been shown to regulate energy homeostasis, body weight, and peripheral insulin sensitivity, lending to their use in such disorders. By inhibiting specific channels, the small molecules provide specific therapeutic effects with minimal side effects.

Application No.

7557138

Others

Additional Technologies by these Inventors

• A mixed Nav blocker and KCa2 activator, as a potent novel anticonvulsant
• Microglial Mediation as a Method for Treating Neurodegenerative Disease and Brain Injury
• Selective KCa3.1 Channel Activators as Novel Antihypertensives

Tech ID/UC Case

29228/2004-642-0

Related Cases

2004-642-0

*Abstract

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered a composition of 5-phenoxyalkoxypsoralens that inhibits potassium channels to treat autoimmune diseases and disorders that involve abnormal homeostasis, body weight and peripheral insulin sensitivity.

*IP Issue Date

Jul 7, 2009

*Principal Investigator

Name: Ananthakrishnan Sankaranarayanan

Department:

Name: Heike Wulff

Department:

Name: Wolfram Hansel

Department:

Name: Alexander Schmitz

Department:

Name: Kristina Burgdorff

Department:

Country/Region

USA