Method to inhibit ectopic calcification by blocking phosphate uptake

Introduction Vascular calcification is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. A number of diseases are associated with ectopic calcification including calcific aortic stenosis, idiopathic arterial calcification, fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, calcific uremic arteriolopathy, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, tumoral calcinosis, osteoarthritis, ankylosis, hardening of the arteries and associated hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and cardiovascular disease. Hyperphosphatemia is an important contributor to vascular calcification. Previous work has implicated sodium-dependent phosphate cotransporters in the process of phosphate-induced calcification, but no effective antagonist had been identified. Technology description Researchers at the University of Washington have developed small molecule antagonists and small interfering RNA to block Type III sodium cotransporter function in vitro. By blocking the transporter, these agents effectively block ectopic calcification. Business opportunity This technology should be of interest to companies developing small molecules and small interfering RNA’s as therapeutics for cardiovascular disease. Intellectual property position The UW has a patent pending on this technology.

Type of Offer: Licensing



« More Medical Patents

---