Novel Sirtuin Activating Compounds
An improved method of synthesizing stilbene analogs, specifically resveratrol, that can activate sirtuins with increased efficiency, activity, and stability.General Information
Sirtuins are NAD+ - dependent deacetylases that regulate many cellular processes that promote cell survival in response to environmental stress. An example of this in humans is the SIRT1 enzyme which deacetylases p53, a ubiquitous tumor suppressor protein, in order to promote cell longevity. It is supposed that one could lengthen healthy life by activating these enzymes, thus enabling them to protect the body against conditions related to environmental stress, such as age-related diseases.
Resveratrol is the most potent sirtuin activator known. This stilbene compound mitigates inflammation, atheroscleorosis, and carcinogenesis. It has many other functions, such as an antioxidant, cyclooxygenase inhibitor, lipid modifier, and neuroprotector, among others. More commonly known, resveratrol is the compound responsible for the “French Paradox” – why the French live longer and healthier lives than other people despite their diet rich in fatty foods.
Isolating resveratrol itself however, presents many challenges to manufacturers interested in producing this compound as a nutritional supplement, although it currently can be purchased as one. Resveratrol is very difficult to isolate and due to its potential for oxidation; it forms unstable radicals and quinines and is thus very reactive. Current isolation methods are expensive and inefficient, and also require reagents that are inconvenient to work with. Previous research that has attempted to improve isolation techniques still use reactions that are expensive to carry out.
This invention involves a novel method of resveratrol analog synthesis that improves efficiency, potency, and stability of the resveratrol analogs and can be applied to all stilbene compounds.
The Market
There are currently several pharmaceutical manufacturers that sell resveratrol for roughly $13.00 to $20.00 for a 60-count bottle. There is a growing media interest in the promising effects of resveratrol due to Harvard professor David Sinclair’s research on resveratrol in mice published in 2003 and 2006 in the journal Nature. Clinically, resveratrol is believed to be able to enhance the potency of antiretroviral drugs against HIV, increase endurance in athletic performance, and fight against aging.
Inventor(s): Merrit B. Andrus
Type of Offer: Licensing
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