Category:

Novel Therapeutic,Gene Therapy

Description:

Sphingolipid metabolism is recognized as a key factor in tumor cell survival and metastasis. Ceramide is a "tumor suppressor sphingolipid" involved in regulation of cell growth, differentiation, senescence and programmed cell death. Drs. Norris and Hannun, and their colleagues at the Medical University of South Carolina, have developed and tested a portfolio of novel small molecule therapeutics that target ceramide metabolism and result in cancer cell apoptosis.

The novel small molecule therapeutics were rationally designed and proven to inhibit enzymes (called acid ceramidase and sphingosine kinase) that create resistance to conventional cancer therapies. The compounds sensitize cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death, therefore they can be administered either as a stand alone treatment or in combination with "standard of care" chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Chemo-additive therapy will permit the oncologist to improve morbidity and clinical outcomes at lower, less toxic, drug or radiation doses.

Substantial preclinical data is available and the researchers continue to actively test these compounds.

Potential Applications:

Cancer treatment, either as stand alone or in conjuction with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or genetherapy.

Inventor(s):

Drs. J. Norris and Y. Hannun et al.

Relevent Publications:

Liu et al. (2008) Front Biosci.;13:2293-8.

Patent Status:

Portfolio of patent applications in National and PCT stage.

Availability:

Available for:
exclusive
non-exclusive
licensing.

Technology Status:

Extensive in vivo animal data

Licensing Contact:

Yashmin Karten, Ph.D.
MUSC Foundation for Research Development
PO Box 250828
Charleston, SC 29425
843.876.1902
karteny@musc.edu