Methods to Reduce Damage from Stroke and Other Neurological Disorders.
Description (Set) Cerebral ischemia (stoke) is an acute neurological condition that is caused by a blood clot that blocks a blood vessel in the brain, while a cerebral hemorrhage (stroke) is caused by a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. The result of a stroke is the initiation of an ischemic cascade which includes inflammation but ultimately results in the death of brain cells. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors are well known for their use as anti-inflammatory agents and have also been shown to reduce the damage associated with neuroinflammatory disorders. Unfortunately, COX-2 has also been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. As a result of these risks, there is an increased need for therapeutics that act in like manner to COX-2 inhibitors without the related side effects. Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have found that there are key enzymes downstream of the COX pathway that may dictate neurological outcomes following certain brain insults. They therefore propose the simultaneous inhibition of pro-inflammatory prostanoids and activation of protective prostanoids. Proposed Use (Set) The American Heart Association estimates that each year approximately 700,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke in the United States. Over 150,000 of these people die, making stroke the third leading cause of death. The work of JHU scientists involves potential preventative or therapeutic agents that can act against neurological disregulation in situations where blood flow and/or neuronal homeostasis is impaired in either acute or chronic neurological conditions.Inventor(s): Dore, Sylvain
Type of Offer: Licensing
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