Novel Compounds and Methods for Treating Invasive Fungal Infections

Background:

With the increasing number of immunodeficient subjects and the increase of the lifespan of these subjects due to the advance in medicine, there has been a concomitant rise in the number of cases of life-threatening fungal infections. Current antifungals are either static, toxic or/and with a too narrow spectrum of activity and increased use have led to increased drug resistance. Therefore, there is a need for new, safer and more effective compounds. Studies have shown that a fungal sphingolipid, glucosylceramide (GlcCer), is critical in promoting fungal virulence and is involved in the infectious processes of a variety of human pathogenic fungi.

Technology Overview:

Researchers at Stony Brook University identified compounds that significantly decrease the synthesis of GlcCer in C. neoformans but not in mammalian cells. These compounds are effective in vitro against a series of pathogenic fungi, protect mice from Cryptococci meningitis, invasive candidiasis and significantly decrease lung burden of P. murina, the murine model of human pneumocystosis.

Advantages:

Safe and well-tolerated in animals - Good pharmacokinetic properties - Easily amenable to structural modification for the synthesis of new derivatives - Synergistic with existing antifungals

Applications:

Fungal Infections, including C. neoformins, P. murina, P. jiroveci, R. oryzae and dimorphic fungi - Active in vivo against cryptococcosis, candidasis, and pneumocystosis

Intellectual Property Summary:

Patent application filed

Stage of Development:

Proof of concept; animal and in-vitro data available. PCT Pending.

Licensing Status:

Available for license. Stony Brook is seeking to develop and commercialize, by an exclusive or non-exclusive license agreement and/or sponsored research, with a company active in the area.

Licensing Potential:

Development partner - Commercial partner - Licensing

Additional Information: