Overview
Glioblastoma is one of the most aggressive and lethal human tumors. We have identified histone deacetylase 7 (HDAC-7) as a potential therapeutic target, a crucial first step toward development of an effective treatment for glioblastoma.
Market Opportunity
Glioblastoma is the most malignant and aggressive primary brain tumor, with a survival rate of only 14–15 months after diagnosis. The treatment resistance and inevitable tumor recurrence are attributed mainly to the presence of tumor-initiating cells or glioma stem cells, which are characterized by the ability to self-renew, to proliferate indefinitely, and potentially to differentiate into different cell types. Thus, there is a pressing need for innovative therapies for glioblastoma.
Innovation and Meaningful Advantages
We have identified HDAC-7 as an epigenetic regulator and promising therapeutic target in glioblastoma. We have demonstrated that expression of HDAC-7 is increased in glioblastoma, while its inhibition has a significant effect on tumor growth. Because HDAC-7 is highly expressed in glioblastoma, it represents a good drug target. HDAC-7 knockdown inhibits glioma stem cell properties, transcriptomic expression, and invasion of cancer cells. The identification and chemical synthesis of a specific HDAC-7 inhibitor will enable us to develop a novel RNA therapeutic for HDAC-7.
Collaboration Opportunity
We are interested in exploring 1) startup opportunities with investors; 2) research collaborations with leading pharmaceutical companies; and 3) licensing opportunities with companies.
Principal Investigator
Nikos Tapinos, MD, PhD
Sidney A. Fox and Dorothea Doctors Fox Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Visual Science, and Neuroscience
Brown University
https://vivo.brown.edu/display/ntapinos
nikos_tapinos@brown.edu
IP Information
PCT Application Filed, Priority Date: October 12, 2021
Contact
Andrew Bond, PhD
Senior Director of Business Development,
andrew_bond@brown.edu
Brown Tech ID 3125J