Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase inhibitors and methods of use
Patent Number: US8741937
 
Executive Summary:
  • Invention Type: Therapeutic
  • Patent Status: Active
  • Patent Link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8741937/
  • Research Institute: University of Oklahoma
  • Disease Focus: Cancer
  • Basis of Invention: Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase inhibitor
  • How it works: Catabolism of extracellular glutathione by GGT is essential for intracellular cysteine homeostasis in tumor cells. Elevated glutathione levels in tumors have been shown to contribute to chemotherapy and radiotherapy resistance. The current invention describes a novel class of GGT inhibitors that inhibit tumor growth and are less toxic compared to glutamine analogs
  • Lead Challenge Inventor: Marie H. Hanigan
  • Development Stage: Pre-clinical
  • Novelty:
    • Novel class of Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase inhibitors
  • Clinical Applications:
    • Targeted radionuclide therapy

General Description:
Many chemotherapeutics fail because of side-effects and the limitations in dosage that can be administered to a patient. Inhibition by glutamine analogs of GGT hold great promise as cancer therapeutics, but have been found to be too toxic in humans. This invention describes a novel class of GGT inhibitors that result in less side-effects and toxicity.
 
Strengths:
  • Less toxic than other GGT inhibitors
  • Broad application

Weaknesses:
  • Needs to be combined with other treatments

Patent Status:
  • Filing date: 2012-03-23

Inventor Bio: Marie H. Hanigan
https://www.oumedicine.com/department-of-cell-biology/general-program-info/faculty/marie-h-hanigan