Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors of Caspase-6

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

• Novel small molecule drug candidates for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases

PRODUCT OPPORTUNITIES

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• Novel compositions of matter
• Small molecule compounds
• High caspase selectivity and specificity for caspase-6

TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION

Caspase-6 is a drug target for Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. This invention provides novel small molecule inhibitors of caspase-6. The lead compound exhibited superior caspase selectivity and specificity for caspase-6, and has an IC50 of 33 nM.

ABOUT THE INVENTOR

Dr.  Jeanne Hardy is a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at UMass Amherst. Her research group aims to understand and exploit allosteric regulation of proteases by designing allosteric binding sites for alternative small molecules, and designs novel drug-like compounds that target allosteric sites and exosites in protease drug targets.

AVAILABILITY:

Available for Licensing and/or Sponsored Research

DOCKET:

UMA 18-035

PATENT STATUS:

Patent Issued and Patent Pending

NON-CONFIDENTIAL INVENTION DISCLOSURE

LEAD INVENTOR:

Jeanne Hardy, Ph.D.

CONTACT:

Caspase-6 is a drug target for Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s diseases. This invention provides novel small molecule inhibitors of caspase-6. The lead compound exhibited superior caspase selectivity and specificity for caspase-6, and has an IC50 of 33 nM.