Treating Neurodegenerative Disease by Regulating Parkin

Reference #: 2012-031

OTC Contact: Ruchika Nijhara, Ph.D., MBA, CLP (Directory Information | Send a Message)

Description

Parkin is a key regulator in the clearance and ubiquitination of toxic proteins in neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The present invention identifies novel approach to regulate Parkin for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Georgetown researches show that some commercial drugs regulate parkin and promote clearance and ubiquitination of the toxic proteins that are involved in the neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, the present invention offers a new use of the existing drugs for the treatment of the neurodegenerative disorders.

Applications

Potential new uses of existing therapeutics for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders including AD, PD and ALS.

Advantages

Potential to rescue cells and halt neurodegenerative death in the brain.
Novel approach for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
Employs existing FDA approved drugs and this potentially expedites regulatory approval.

Stage of Development

In-vivo studies show promising data on parkin regulation and toxic protein clearance by the drugs. Further studies to ascertain behavioral improvements in AD, PD and ALS are on-going.

Relevant Publications

“Parkinson-related parkin reduces α-synuclein phosphorylation in a gene transfer model”. Moussa et al., Mol Neurodegener. 2010 Nov 4; 5:47

“Parkin promotes intracellular Abeta1-42 clearance”. Moussa et al., Hum Mol Genet. 2009 Sep 1; 18(17):3206-16

“The relationship between parkin and protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases”. Moussa et al., Front Psychiatry. 2010 Jun 3; 1:15

“A Cancer Treatment May Help Treat Alzherimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia” Forbes, <http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegwalton/2013/05/10/do-we-have-another-drug-candidate-for-alzheimers-and-dementia/>, accessed 2013 May 15.

“Potential Treatment for Parkinson’s, Alzheimers’, dementia discovered” FOX News.com <http://www.foxnews.com/health/2013/05/09/potential-treatment-for-parkinsons-alzheimers-dementia-discovered/>, accessed 2013 May 15.

Patent Status

Patent application pending