Therapeutics & Vaccines
Vitamin D Analog “DA2HE” to Treat and Prevent Polyps, Hyperplastic Intestinal Disorders
WARF: P120347US02
Inventors: Hector DeLuca, Margaret Clagett-Dame, Lori Plum, Agnieszka Glebocka
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a vitamin D analog showing strong cell selectivity that may provide therapy for some cancers as well as intestinal disorders like Crohn’s and celiac disease.
Overview
The hormonally active form of vitamin D, known as calcitriol or 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3, has shown promise for treating diseases ranging from osteoporosis to cancer to psoriasis. However, the hormone mobilizes calcium from bones and increases intestinal absorption of dietary calcium. Effective therapeutic concentrations can lead to hypercalcemia; a condition characterized by elevated blood calcium levels, alterations in mental status, muscle weakness and calcification of soft tissues and organs such as the heart and kidneys. Therefore, a need exists for new compounds that provide desirable therapeutic effects without causing dose-limiting hypercalcemia.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a vitamin D analog, seco-A-2,19-dinor-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. Known as DA2HE, the compound exhibits high activity in vivo, especially in intestinal tissues. Relatively low receptor binding, differentiation and transcription activities suggest strong cell selectivity for use against polyps, some cancers and intestinal disorders. The compound’s high intestinal calcium transport activity may be useful against bone diseases.
Applications
- Therapy for polyps and colon cancer
- Treating and preventing Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease and other intestinal disorders
- Treating bone diseases
Key Benefits
- High intestinal activity
- Potential for strong cell selectivity
- Less likely to cause dose-limiting hypercalcemia than calcitriol
- Can be administered in many forms
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Tech Fields
For current licensing status, please contact Rafael Diaz at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9847