Method for Oral Decorporation of Metals

Several new diseases involving heavy metal poisoning and radionuclide exposure have been introduced to mankind due to the emergence of new technologies. In addition, the potential for exposure is expected to increase with the continuing industrialization of society. The administration of chelation agents represents the only therapeutic approach, other than symptomatic treatment, for the amelioration of metal and nuclide toxicity. Ethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (EDTA) and diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) currently are the only compounds approved for treating such poisonings. These agents are inconvenient to administer, may require hospitalization and have rather poor efficacy, particularly when it comes to chronic cases of lead poisoning in children. Miller and Bruenger have addressed these issues with their synthesis of several new powerful chelating agents, lipophilic polyaminocarboxylic acids (PACA). PACAs are strongly absorbed from the intestine and can be targeted to specific organs. They are capable of entering cells and form strong, stable chelates with a variety of metal ions. Given orally with food to rats, these agents efficiently reduce well-fixed burdens of americium and lead without internal redistribution of the metals.

Benefits
Heavy metal toxicity represents an uncommon, yet clinically significant, medical condition. If unrecognized or inappropriately treated, heavy metal toxicity can result in significant morbidity and mortality. This invention describes a new compound which may be used as chelating agent capable of decorporation of heavy metals and radionuclides including: lead, iron, actinide and lanthanide series elements

Stage of Development
Two US Patent numbers 5,403,862 and 5,494,935 has been issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. This technology is part of an active and ongoing research program that has been validated in animal experiments. It is available for developmental research support/licensing under either exclusive or non-exclusive terms.

Additional Info
Miller SC, Bruenger FW, Kuswik-Rabiega G, Liu G, Lloyd RD. (1993) Duration and dose-related effects of an orally administered, partially lipophilic polyaminocarboxylic acid on the decorporation of plutonium and americium. J Pharmacol Exp Ther. 267:548-54.

Inventor(s): Friedrich Bruenger, Scott Miller

Type of Offer: Licensing



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