Compounds that Increase Insulin Secretion (BIDMC 745)

Category:    Therapeutics - Drugs

KeyWords:  Metabolic Diseases;  

BIDMC ID:    745

Abstract:

Dr. Bradford Lowell and colleagues at BIDMC in collaboration with Dr. John Porco and colleagues at Boston University have discovered a class of compounds which are useful for increasing insulin secretion in Type II diabetic patients. In particular, these investigators have discovered a class of compounds that are inhibitors of UCP2 (Uncoupling Protein 2), a mitochondrial inner membrane protein involved in energy metabolism. One molecule in this class is a naturally occurring compound which was isolated from an herb and purified by these investigators. In vitro experiments have shown that this compound inhibits UCP2 activity. Analogues are being designed and tested for improved inhibition of UCP2 activity in vitro and in vivo.

Inventor:   Brad Lowell, M.D., Ph.D.(BIDMC), John Porco, Ph.D. (BU)

Commercial Opportunity:

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Boston University are seeking a scientific and corporate partner for further research and commercial development of inhibitors of UCP2 as potential drug therapies for diabetes.

Competitive Advantages:

Related Publications:

State of Development:

Related Technology URL:

Patent Status:

Worldwide PCT patent application pending.

TVO Contact Info:
     Stanley C Mah
     Senior Associate TVO
     smah@bidmc.harvard.edu
     Phone: 617-667-0573   Fax: 617-667-0646

     Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
     Technology Ventures Office  Room: BR-0200
     330 Brookline Avenue
     Boston, MA 02215