Many drugs are aimed at enhancing the therapeutic potential of nitric oxide (NO) in the cardiovascular system. These generally lack selectivity, hence there is a need to treat diseased tissues more specifically in order to restore their function. This can be achieved by boosting the natural enzymatic synthesis of NO, which is impaired in pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes. Supplementation of the natural cofactor of the enzyme (tetrahydrobiopterin) has clinical efficacy, but the compound must be injected.
Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have created small novel analogues of the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin. The new analogues can selectively enhance NO activity in damaged blood vessels more effectively than the natural substance. By enhancing the NO activity, the enzymatic activity is restored, thus preventing progression of the disease.
This technology can enhance the therapeutic potential of NO in the cardiovascular system and thereby be used in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension, atherosclerosis, and complications of diabetes.
The technology is protected by a patent application filed by the University of Strathclyde as US 60/642,013. 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