Abstract
Stable, Potent Compounds to Selectively Inhibit Neuronal Nitric Oxide Production
NU 2011-053
Inventors
Haitao Mark Ji
Richard B. Silverman*
He Huang
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a critical neurotransmitter. Overproduction of NO has been implicated in a variety of neurological diseases, including Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's, as well as neuronal damage occurring in stroke patients. Inhibitors of the enzyme that generates NO, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, are useful in the treatment of a variety of afflictions. Candidate compounds have generally been limited by weak potency and poor selectivity, susceptibility to metabolic breakdown, and the inability to cross the blood-brain barrier at physiological pH. Northwestern researchers have developed compounds with ideal binding orientation (for optimized potency) that selectively inhibit neuronal nitric oxide synthase and successfully penetrate the blood-brain barrier without breaking down. These compounds have a variety of research and therapeutic purposes.
Applications
o Nitric oxide signaling research
o Treatment of various neurological disease states
Advantages
o Increased bioavailability over other compounds that are currently available
o Ability to cross blood-brain barrier at organismal pH
o Rationally designed to bind optimally and produce greatest efficacy
IP Status
A patent application has been filed.
Marketing Contact
Allan Nader, PhD
Invention Manager
(e) [email protected]
(p) 847.491.4456
Original language | English |
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Patent number | 8557552 |
State | Published - Oct 11 2012 |