Improved use of Recombinant Viruses for Liver Regeneration
Introduction Diseases of the liver, both genetic and acquired, are especially detrimental due to the fact that the liver is a key organ for most metabolic pathways. Currently, the only method of curing liver diseases is via a liver transplant. Unfortunately, many transplants succumb to rejection, leaving the patient with no recourse. The liver is also unique due to its ability to regenerate. This technology exploits gene therapy and the regenerative nature of the liver as a means to recover liver function. Technology description Scientists at the UW took advantage of the regenerative capabilities of the liver to develop of method whereby a liver may regenerate and simultaneously incorporate genes of interest. This technology utilizes two recombinant vectors: one that induces liver regeneration following partial liver degeneration, and one that introduces a therapeutic gene into the regenerating cells. The final result is a partially regenerated liver that contains a functional gene to correct the functional defect. Business opportunity This technology carries the potential to treat acute liver failure, a serious clinical condition caused by several distinct diseases including viral hepatitis or various genetic diseases. Stage of development Studies were done in mice using this technology, showing that the two-vector method did lead to liver degeneration followed by regeneration of a fully-recovered liver that expressed the recombinant gene of interest. Intellectual property position US 5,980,886, issued November 9, 1999. Publications Lieber et al., PNAS (1995), 92:6210-6214 For more information on this technology contact:Angela Loihl, PhD Licensing Officer, Invention Licensing [email protected] 206-897-1982
Type of Offer: Licensing
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