Stent implantation is a highly effective treatment for restoring blood flow through an atherosclerotic artery; however restenosis (a re-narrowing of the diseased artery) occurs in a significant proportion of patients. Drug-eluting stents have been developed to limit restenosis and although they represent a major advance, they have limited effectiveness in diabetic patients. In addition, the drugs that are used at present inhibit the regrowth of the endothelium which is required to protect the artery. Thus, there is a need for an improved drug-eluting stent that will be suitable for diabetic patients, will not harm the endothelium, and will protect against blood clotting.
Using an in vivo model, researchers at the University of Strathclyde have found that restenosis can be prevented by a novel, proprietary compound with no harmful effects on endothelial properties. VAN 10-4, a novel small molecule, exerts a marked protection against the development of restenosis when applied as a drug-eluting stent or given as a short-term local infusion. VAN 10-4's superior activity is not confined to its ability to reduce neointimal formation; in vitro studies also showed that VAN 10-4 had no detrimental effect on contractile or relaxant function of blood vessels. VAN 10-4 is significantly more effective as an inhibitor of smooth muscle cell proliferation than paclitaxel. Furthermore, VAN 10-4 is equally effective at inhibiting p42/p44 MAPK activation in human and porcine artery cells, suggesting that its effects should be evident in the clinical setting. The use of VAN 10-4 on a drug-eluting stent holds great promise as a superior stent for high risk patients.
This technology can be used for any procedure which carries the risk of restenosis, from angioplasty to artery reconstruction, for medical and pharmaceutical markets.
VAN 10-4 and its use in restenosis is covered by extensive patent filings including three granted US patents: 6,225,342; 6,313,099; and 6,498,152. The compound has also cleared regulatory toxicology testing. 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