Protein Sequences for Therapeutic Applications in Management of Obesity, Cachexia and Nausea

Non-naturally occurring protein sequences that enhance or suppress the activity of hormone associated with obesity and nausea

Problem:

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15) is a broadly expressed hormone, whose level often correlates with progression of many diseases. It has been shown in multiple species that the elevated level of GDF15 drives weight loss primarily by reducing total food intake.

The increased level of GDF15 is also seen after a cancer therapy that often associates with nausea and emesis. It was only in 2017 when a receptor responsible for mediating the anorectic actions of GDF15 was identified. Hence, the hormone and its receptor are promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of disorders such as obesity, anorexia, and nausea associated with chemotherapy. Nausea from chemotherapy and morning sickness is difficult to manage and can be extremely debilitating and compromise individual quality of life.

Solution:

The inventors created non-naturally occurring peptides that can enhance or suppress the effects of the hormone GDF15. By targeting the hormone receptor, these compounds can be useful to treat obesity by ennhancing the action of the hormone and cachexia as well as nausea associated with chemotherapy or morning sickness by suppressing its expression.

Applications: 

• Use as drug to treat obesity or cachexia
• Use as drugs to overcome nausea associated with chemotherapy and morning sickness

Advantages:

• New targets that will help the discovery of drug for treating obesity, cachexia, or nausea
• Can be designed to target the specific site only avoiding brain penetration
• Potential to increase quality of life for people suffering from obesity, cachexia, and nausea

Stage of Development:

• Preclinical Discovery

Intellectual Property:

• US, European, Canadian & Australian Patents Pending 

Desired Partnerships:

• License
• Co-development

Docket # 19-8758