Novel Compound to Specifically Stimulate Erythropoietin (EPO) Production for Improved Red Blood Cell Count
This invention discloses an approach whereby the administration of a synthetic organic compound specifically induces proliferation of erythropoietin-producing peritubular interstitial cells in the kidney, which results in increased synthesis of erythropoietin. After cessation of treatment with the synthetic compound, there is persistence of EPO-producing peritubular interstitial cells in the kidney. Preliminary studies revealed that this approach had no adverse effect on kidney function. To the best of the inventors� knowledge, this is the first model where such a striking proliferation of EPO-producing peritubular interstitial cells has been achieved by the administration of an apparently non-toxic substance.Benefits
Erythropoietin is produced in the adult kidney to maintain a constant level of hematocrit. Decreased EPO production results in anemia, often associating with a host of chronic and life-threatening conditions. While EPO production is stimulated by hypoxia and by various compounds, these compounds generally lack therapeutic feasibility. In addition, the only option available for the treatment of anemia and the associated is the administration of recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO), which is very expensive. Thus there is a need to explore alternative and more economical approaches to induce native erythropoietin production in the kidney and to treat erythropoietin-responsive anemias.
Stage of Development
An international PCT patent application (PCT/US2004/011003) is in prosecution. This technology is available for licensing or developmental support under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.
Additional Info
*Kishore, B.K.,, et. al. A Novel Method of Induction of Proliferation of Erythropoietin (EPO)-Producing Peritubular Cells in Rat Kidney, 36th Ann. Mtg. Am. Soc. Neph.; San Diego, CA (Nov. 2003): SU-PO424.
*Kishore, B.K., et. al. Poly-D-glutamic acid induces an acute lysosomal thesaurismosis of proximal tubules and a marked proliferation of interstitium in rat kidney, Lab. Invest. 74(6): 1013-23, 1996.
Inventor(s): Christof Westenfelder, Jorge Isaac, Bellamkonda Kishore
Type of Offer: Licensing
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