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Hydrolysis-Resistant Local Anesthetics

 

OHSU # 1684

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Summary:

CNG CHANNEL BLOCKERS

FOR TREATMENT OF RETINAL DISEASE

OHSU Technology 1684

To meet a pressing need for better cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channel antagonists, Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and Willamette University designed, synthesized and determined the apparent affinities and mechanism of CNG channel block with novel hydrolysis resistant tetracaine derivatives. Alterations of CNG channel activity are central in the pathology of certain forms of retinal degeneration including some forms of retinitis pigmentosa. Therefore, these compounds may meet an unmet medical need for therapeutic agents that treat retinal disease.

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) refers to a group of inherited diseases causing retinal degeneration. The cell-rich retina lines the back inside wall of the eye. It is responsible for capturing images from the visual field. People with RP experience a gradual decline in their vision because photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) die. CNG ion channels are known for their role in phototransduction in retinal photoreceptors and in odorant transduction in the olfactory epithelium. CNG channel activation in photoreceptors is regulated by the cytoplasmic concentration of cGMP, which binds to and opens the channel to allow influx of Na+ and Ca2+ ions. CNG channel blockers can therefore be effective treatments for these blinding diseases.

· 100,000 people in USA suffer from retinitis pigmentosa

· Nutritional therapy with Vitamin A, and Docosahexaenoic Acid

· Gene therapies and therapeutic agents are under preclinical and clinical evaluation

Inventor Profile:

Dr. Jeffrey W. Karpen is a Professor in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. Dr. Karpen’s lab focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of cellular signaling with an emphasis on signaling by the intracellular messengers cAMP and cGMP.

Patent Status:

Provisional Patent Application Filed

Licensing Opportunity

OHSU Technology 1684 is available for exclusive licensing and collaborative co-development.

Relevant Publications:

Karpen JW et al. J Med Chem. 2011, 54(13):4904-12.

Karpen JW et al. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2011, 21(21):6417-9.

For more information, contact:

Travis Cook
Technology Development Manager
503-494-3229