Overview
Kynurenic acid has neuroprotective activities in vivo while the metabolic byproduct of kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, is neurotoxic. Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase catalyzes the conversion of kynurenine into 3-hydroxykynurenine, a precusor of neurotoxic quinolinic acid. In light the properties of kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid, pharmacological intervention directed at inhibiting quinolinic acid and/or increasing kynurenic acid is a viable therapeutic approach for treating neurological diseases and neurological manifestations of diseases. The invention relates to benzensulfonamide compounds that inhibit kynurenine 3-monooxygenase and methods of treatment using the same. (EXTENDED MARKETING SUMMARY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)
Applications
-Novel methods of treating neurological diseases and neurological manifestations of diseases, ranging from Alzheimer's disease to diabetes -2nd generation production of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase inhibitors
Advantages
-The invention relates to small molecule inhibitors of kynurenine 3- monooxygenase. Small molecules have the advantage of cell permeability, blood- brain barrier permeability, not eliciting immune responses, enhanced stability, decreased biomaterial contamination potential, and the capacity for large-scale manufacturing. -The kynurenine 3-monooxygenase inhibitors of the invention can be used to increase concentrations of neutoprotective kynurenic acid while decreasing neurotoxic quinolinic acid.
Stage of Development
Small molecule inhibitors of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase have been developed and shown to inhibit the activity of kynurenine 3-monooxygenase.
R&D Required
Preclinical studies are required to provide safety and efficacy data, which will enable clinical trials to follow.
Licensing Potential
UM seeks to develop and commercialize by an exclusive or non-exclusive license agreement and/or sponsored research with a company active in the area.
Contact Info
Office of Technology Transfer
620 W Lexington St., 4th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (410) 706-2380