Use of the Type 3 Adenylyl Cyclase as a Drug Target Site to Treat Obesity

Introduction Obesity in the U.S. has increased dramatically in the past two decades. Although intensive efforts have been devoted to anti-obesity therapy, the percentage of obese individuals in the United States continues to increase. Because of this epidemic, there is considerable interest in molecular mechanisms that regulate the accumulation of triacylglycerol in white adipose. Technology description Daniel Storm’s laboratory has identified type 3 adenylyl cyclase (AC3) as a drug target site to decrease lipogenesis in adipose tissue and thereby treat obesity. AC3 knockout mice exhibit adult onset obesity which is due to increases in adipocyte size and fat mass. Based on these studies, possible side effects of these drugs could include a decrease in olfaction because of olfactory desentization and lowered blood pressure through vasodilation. All three of these effects of AC3-activating drugs may be desirable in the treatment of obesity. Business Opportunity Approximately 65% of the U.S. population is overweight (BMI>25), and over 30% are obese (BMI>30). The obese have a higher risk for a number of diseases including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, certain forms of cancer, and sleep-breathing disorders. Furthermore, obesity decreases longevity and impairs in the general quality of life. Intellectual Property Position The UW has a US patent pending on this technology.

Type of Offer: Licensing



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