Detoxification Depot for b-amyloid peptides

描述（由申请人提供）：脑中的神经毒性淀粉样斑块是阿尔茨海默病（AD）的特征，由淀粉样前体蛋白的2个重叠片段（AB 1 -40和AB 1 -42）聚集形成。这些A-β肽可以穿过血脑屏障。我们的长期目标是通过使用皮下水凝胶来识别、浓缩和消除AB（β淀粉样蛋白）肽，从而阻止斑块在大脑中的沉积，从而开发有效的阿尔茨海默病疗法。在I期研究中，我们开发并展示了一种包含逆转肽的propreirtary排毒凝胶，该逆转肽在体外充当吸引AB肽的“水槽”。不可逆捕获的AB的量和速率（在体外2小时内10 μ g/100 μ l凝胶）可用于在人体中产生汇效应。我们现在在我们的第二阶段提案中提出了一个更有效、更特异和更方便的治疗系统。除了使用我们在I期建立的排毒库，我们计划改进AB捕获水凝胶制剂并在AD的鼠模型中评价其体内性能。基本上，将含有由连接至聚合物的Abeta结合元件组成的缀合物的溶液与交联剂混合。该溶液可以皮下注射，在那里它将迅速变成固体水凝胶。将评价排毒贮库降低脑中A-β肽毒性聚集体水平的能力。几种版本的捕获肽将被包括在排毒凝胶中，并在AD小鼠中测试其功效。评价参数将包括免疫组织化学和生化测量。如果成功的话，这个解毒库将成为人类使用的候选者。在大鼠、家兔和犬中进行的水凝胶安全性研究表明无毒性。我们拥有“知识产权”的权利，并提出了一个商业化计划，以与制药公司合作进行未来的评估。我们已经在商业化举措方面取得了进展。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The neurotoxic amyloid plaques in the brain, characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD), are formed by aggregation of 2 overlapping fragments (AB1-40 and AB1-42) of the amyloid precursor protein. These A-beta peptides can cross the blood-brain barrier. Our long-term goal is to develop an effective therapy for Alzheimer's Disease, by using a subcutaneous hydrogel to recognize, concentrate and eliminate AB (beta amyloid) peptides and thereby halt deposition of plaque in the brain. In the Phase I research, we developed and demonstrated a propreirtary detox gel encompassing a retro-inverso peptide which acts like a "sink" that draws the AB peptides, in vitro. The amount and rate of AB captured irreversibly (10 ug/100ul of gel in 2 hours, in vitro) could be used to produce the sink effect in humans. We now propose a more potent, specific and convenient therapeutic system in our Phase II proposal. In addition to using the detox depot we established in Phase I, we plan to improve the AB capture hydrogel formulation and evaluate its performance, in vivo, in a murine model of AD. Essentially, a solution containing a conjugate consisting of Abeta binding element linked to a polymer is mixed with a cross-linking reagent. This solution may be injected subcutaneously where it will rapidly become a solid hydrogel. The ability of the detox depot to decrease the level of the toxic aggregates of A-beta peptides in the brain will be evaluated. Several versions of the capture peptide will be included in the detox gels and tested for efficacy in AD mice. Evaluation parameters will include immunohistochemical and biochemical measurements. If successful, this detoxification depot will become a candidate for human use. Safety studies on the hydrogel performed in rats, rabbits and dogs demonstarted no toxicity. We hold rights to the 'intellectual property' and present a commercialization plan to perform future evaluations in partnership with a pharmaceutical firm. We have already made progress towards commercialization initiatives.