Pancreatitis Associated Proteins as a Treatment for Pancreatic Diseases

Background:

Acute pancreatitis ranges in severity from a mild, self-limiting course treated with conservative methods, to a more aggressive variety causing sepsis, pancreatic necrosis, and hemorrhage. Approximately 25% of acute pancreatitis cases will progress in severity and require surgery. The regeneration (Reg) family of proteins, which include Reg I (pancreatic stone protein) and Reg III (pancreatitis-associated protein – “PAP”), are a family of proteins minimally expressed in the normal pancreas but strongly induced in acute pancreatitis. Studies show that inhibition of Reg/PAP expression significantly worsens pancreatitis. Furthermore, histopathologic evaluation of the pancreas reveals worsened edema, elevated leukocyte infiltration, and fat necrosis after antisense-treatment.

Technology Overview:

This technology enables the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatitis through the use of a truncated PAP. For example, the technology provides several methods for developing treatments based on various proteins. The technology can also enable the development of a method for screening candidate pancreatitis treatments. This includes providing a mammal with a pancreatitis condition, administering to the mammal an amount of a candidate pancreatitis-associated protein having a truncated form, and observing a result. In addition, the technology provides a method for making an antibody to portions of pancreatitis-associated protein to serve as a diagnostic tool for use in pancreatitis.

Advantages:

•    Provides a novel method for treating pancreatitis.
•    Versatile – enables methods for both diagnosing and treating pancreatitis, as well as screening candidate pancreatitis treatments.

Applications:

The primary applications for this technology are the development of diagnostic tools and treatments for pancreatitis. This includes screening candidate pancreatitis treatments.

Intellectual Property Summary:

Issued United States Patent: US8,012,928 

Stage of Development:

TRL 3 - Experimental proof of concept

Licensing Status:

This technology is available for licensing.

Licensing Potential:

This technology would be of interest to anyone involved in the development of pancreatitis diagnostic tools and treatments, including:
•    Pharmaceutical companies.
•    Hospitals.
•    Medical research facilities.
•    Universities.