NU 2020-051
INVENTORS Samuel I. Stupp
SHORT DESCRIPTION A novel delivery system for bone morphogenetic protein 4 utilizing nanotechnology.
BACKGROUND Pediatric high-grade glioma (HGG) is among the most formidable cancer occurring in childhood patients. Current treatments include surgery followed by chemo- and radiation therapy but, these have proven non-curative in nearly all instances. Recent attempts have been made to treat HGG using bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) as it induces apoptosis and increases cell sensitivity to therapies. However, these attempts have been largely unsuccessful due to the short half-life of BMP4. Thus, there is a dire need for new effective therapies to treat HGG patients.
ABSTRACT Northwestern researchers have demonstrated that peptide amphiphile (PA) nanostructures that bind to growth factors, including BMP4, can extend the in vivo activity of growth factors. These nanostructures can be used to intracranially deliver BMP4 and allow it to last long enough in vivo to have a therapeutic effect. Additionally, this technology could have applications in the prevention of recurring tumors following surgery and treatment of other brain cancers aside from HGG.
APPLICATIONS
ADVANTAGES
PUBLICATION Smith C, Nayak S, Mahenthiran A, Wang Y, Fyrner T, McClendon M, Mania-Farnell B, Kessler J, Tomita T, James C, Stupp S, Xi G. EXTH-48 BMP4 binding peptide amphiphile nanofibers for the treatment of pediatric high-grade gliomas. Neuro Oncol. 2020 Nov; 22(Suppl 2): ii97.
IP STATUS US Patent Application has been filed.
ELISA results show that GlncPA and E2PA extend BMP4 half-life.