Methods and Compounds for Prevention of Tissue Graft Rejection (BIDMC 244)

Category:    Therapeutics - Methods

KeyWords:  Transplantation;  Method;  

BIDMC ID:    244

Abstract:

Dr. Terry Strom and Dr. Towia Libermann have developed novel methods of achieving localized immunosuppression. These methods may be used for the prevention of graft rejection following organ or tissue transplantation and for the prevention of tissue destruction due to autoimmune disease. The methods allow strong local immunosuppression without the side effects associated with general immunosuppressive methods now in use. In addition to these methods, our investigators have discovered a new immunosuppressive protein.

Inventor:   Terry Strom and Towia Libermann

Commercial Opportunity:

For many life-threatening diseases, organ transplantation is considered a standard treatment and, in many cases, the only alternative to certain death. The immune response to foreign cell surface antigens on the graft, encoded by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and present on all cells, generally precludes successful transplantation of tissues and organs unless the transplant tissues come from a compatible donor or the normal immune response is suppressed. The best compatibility and thus, long term rates of engraftment, are achieved using MHC identical sibling donors or MHC identical unrelated cadaver donors. Current immunosuppressive drugs used in organ transplantation including cyclosporin, rapamycin and FK506. Overall, the market for immunosuppressive drugs for use in preventing transplanted organ rejection is estimated to reach $2.5 billion by 2008.

Competitive Advantages:

The methods allow strong local immunosuppression without the side effects associated with general immunosuppressive methods now in use.

Related Publications:

State of Development:

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is seeking a corporate partner to license, develop and commercialize this technology.

Related Technology URL:

http://research.bidmc.harvard.edu/research/ResearchPIInfo.ASP?Submit=Display&PersonID=675

Patent Status:

US Patent 5,958,403;      Worldwide rights 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