Chronic inflammation contributes to a broad spectrum of diseases including arthritis, psoriasis, diabetes, allergy, connective tissue diseases, and heart disease. Despite the range of current therapeutics on offer, there is unmet clinical need as treatments such as corticosteroids, though often effective, are associated with serious side effects.
A research team at the Universities of Strathclyde and Glasgow have taken the novel approach of searching for anti¬-inflammatory agents produced by pathogens during their battle to avoid elimination by the host. This has led to their discovery of ES-62, a glycoprotein that is secreted by filarial nematodes, highly successful parasites of vertebrates including humans. The team has demonstrated that ES-62 is a potent, broad spectrum anti-inflammatory molecule which effectively reduces inflammation whilst leaving essential defence mechanisms intact. Manufacture of ES-62 itself is not commercially viable but further research has produced small molecule derivatives (SMDs) that exhibit anti¬-inflammatory activity in vivo.
This technology has the potential to treat many inflammatory-based conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and asthma.
The technology is protected by a patent application filed by the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow as GB0707724.1. Contact is welcomed from organisations interested in developing, licensing or exploiting this technology.
For further information, please contact Research & Knowledge Exchange Services:e: rkes@strath.ac.uk t: 0141 548 3707 f: 0141 552 4409
This project has received assistance from the Proof of Concept Fund managed by Scottish Enterprise. The Proof of Concept Fund supports the pre-commercialisation of leading-edge technologies emerging from Scotland's universities, research institutes and NHS Trusts.