Abstract
Inhibition of Ornithine Aminotransferase for the Treatment of Proliferative Disorders
NU 2011-039
Inventors
Yaron Ilan
Ehud Zigmond
Richard B. Silverman*
Hejun Lu
Abstract
Cancer is one of the major causes of morbidity throughout the world. A variety of chemotherapeutic agents have been used clinically, but the presently available anti-tumor agents are known to have a variety of poor side effects, including damage to healthy cells. Furthermore, certain tumor types are resistant to treatment with these agents. Northwestern inventors have determined that ornithine aminotransferase, an enzyme involved in the conversion of ornithine to proline, is at elevated levels in malignant proliferative tissue. Furthermore, the investigators developed a pharmaceutical composition and a method of using inhibitors targeting the enzyme to decrease tumor growth. These discoveries constitute diagnostic methods and therapy for a variety of cancers, including those not treatable with more conventional chemotherapy.
Applications
o Diagnosis of malignant proliferating tissue
o Treatment through inhibition of tumor growth
Advantages
o New means of diagnosis
o Ability to treat rare cancers and those that don't respond to other therapies
IP Status
Issued US Patent No. 8,211,865
Marketing Contact
Allan Nader, PhD
Invention Manager
(e) [email protected]
(p) 847.491.4456
Original language | English |
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Patent number | 8211865 |
State | Published - Jan 21 2010 |