Novel Strategy to Induce Erythropoietin Production in vivo

Description (Set) Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. For chronic anemia such as induced by renal failure and chemotherapy, administration of recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) protein exhibits powerful therapeutic effects. Unfortunately, this therapeutic efficacy is accompanied by side-effects which include hypertension and thrombosis. JHU scientists identified a molecular pathway which induces potent erythropoietin (EPO) production in vivo, and demonstrated that stimulation of this pathway has the ability to treat anemia in a mouse model. It is well established that erythropoiesis (development of red blood cells) is tightly regulated by erythropoietin levels and is additionally thought to have broad therapeutic effects. Therefore, this invention could potentially be applied in the treatment of other diseases in addition to anemia including (but not limited to) brain stroke, Parkinson's disease, and inflammatory diseases without inducing the adverse side effects associated with recombinant EPO injections. Proposed Use (Set) A novel method and monoclonal antibody reagent to induce endogenous EPO production and treat anemia. Future potential of this invention includes the development of other agents to activate this pathway including small molecules, fusion proteins of counter ligands, and DNA/RNA aptamers.

Inventor(s): Tamada, Koji

Type of Offer: Licensing



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