Industry: Biomedicine Region: Italy Transaction Price: USD 1 million Transaction Method: Equity Investment
Project introduction:
The molecular modeling and virtual screening laboratory of an Italian institute of chemical science and technology has developed a new therapy for autoimmune diseases.
Current therapies for autoimmune diseases are all based on anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs. These treatments ha ve side effects and may lead to suppression of immune response. The institute determined the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between T-cell receptor (TCR) and autoantigen complexed with MHC. As the target of developing new drugs, these new drugs can selectively block the immune response to autoimmune reaction while keeping the rest of the immune system intact and effective. The application of this method in rheumatoid arthritis has been proved.
The Institute found a number of compounds that showed activity against these specific PPI, and applied for patents for a few effective s mall molecules that could interfere with the interaction of TCR/ Collagen II-HLA-DR4. Overall project advantages of this approach:
1. Selectivity of therapeutic targets
2. Reduce the collateral damage that is characteristic of current therapy
3. This method can be transferred to many HLA-related autoimmune diseases
4. Computer program patents US9630954 (B2) and US9994524 (B2) characterizing this method
Cooperation mode:
The institute is looking for product joint research and development and technology licensing cooperation.