sGCalphal inhibiting compositions 
Patent Number: US9301991

Executive Summary:
  • Invention Type: Diagnostic/Therapeutic
  • Patent Status: Active
  • Patent Link: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9301991/
  • Research Institute: University of Toledo
  • Disease Focus: sGCα1-expressing cancers
  • Basis of Invention: The importance of the androgen receptor in the development of prostate cancer is demonstrated by the success of anti-androgen therapy at the early stages of prostate cancer. Hormone ablation therapies continue to dominate the market, as they have proven to be the most effective at treating the early stage prostate cancer, which is hormone-dependent. However, this therapy and others currently used are ineffective against late-stage prostate cancer, which is hormone-refractory and usually lethal
  • How it works: Peptides interfere with sGCα1's pro-survival functions, thereby resulting in apoptosis of sGCα1-expressing cells
  • Lead Challenge Inventor: Lirim Shemshedini
  • Inventors: Lirim Shemshedini, Shao-Yong Chen, Changmeng Cai, Chen-Lin Hsieh
  • Development Stage: Pre-clinical, Validation of the lead peptide in xenograft mouse model
  • Novelty:
    • Method to treat and diagnose sGCα1-expressing cancers using peptides that interfere with sGCa1 pro-survival properties and down-regulate p53
    • This may also serve as a biomarker for treatable cancers
    • High unmet medical need to treat late-stage prostate cancer
  • Clinical Applications:
    • Peptide is capable of reducing sGCa1-associated p53 inhibition

General Description:
1. A composition of matter comprising a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence of FF5-8R
2. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a composition of claim 1; and a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.
3. A composition of claim 1, further comprising a chemotherapeutic agent.
4. A composition of claim 3, wherein the chemotherapeutic agent is etoposide.

Strengths:
  • This invention is a first-in-class peptide to treat metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer. No other sGCα1 inhibitors are in development

Weaknesses:
  • Hormone therapy already in use

Patent Status:
  • Filing date – 2013-11-01
  • Publication date – 2016-04-05
  • Grant date – 2016-04-05

Inventor Bio: Lirim Shemshedini
http://www.utoledo.edu/nsm/bio/research/shemshedini.html