Myocardial infarction and the subsequent development of heart failure remains one of
the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the western world. One major new
direction for treatment involves optimizing infarct healing and reducing infarct
expansion, by controlling early and late inflammation after myocardial infarction and
heart failure. Said control implemented through specific manipulations of macrophages
- pivotal cells in the onset and progression of inflammation.
We are developing a novel conceptual approach, supported by encouraging preliminary
data. This approach combines: (i) the application of novel therapeutic agents – iron oxide
nano particles and (ii) their selective delivery to macrophages (the target cells) by
enclosing these nano particles within special macrophage-targeted carriers.
Project ID : 2-2011-272
The Technology
A novel approach for the treatment of AMI has been developed using IONPs. IONPs, when injected into the infarcted myocardium, lead to improved heart function after MI. IONPs activate anti-inflammatory macrophages and thus promote tissue healing and repair and prevent myocardial remodeling and dysfunction.
Background
Macrophages control the initiation, maintenance and resolution of inflammation. One of the earliest phases after MI involves acute inflammation leading to fibrosis and scar formation. Macrophages are essential for infarct healing and repair. Some macrophages exhibit a pro-inflammatory cytokine profile (M1 polarization), whereas others show an anti-inflammatory profile and tissue repair activity (M2 polarization). IONPs are used to label and track inflammatory and stem cells by MRI and are considered the most sensitive existing markers for cell labeling using MRI. They are nontoxic and biodegradable and do not affect proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation capacity in vitro.
The Need and Potential Application
IONPs can be used to treat AMI and other inflammatory conditions associated with pro-inflammatory activated macrophages and to promote tissue healing and repair.
Advantages
Nontoxic
FDA approved for use in MRI imaging in humans
Off –the-shelf
Drug repositioning pathway
Stage of Development
In vivo studies in mouse and rat models of MI and heart failure have demonstrated that IONPs switch infarct macrophages from pro-inflammatory (M1) to reparative (M2) phenotype and improve remodeling and function after MI in mouse
Patents
PCT/IL2011/000300
Project manager
Elisha Natan
Director BD
Project researchers
Rimona Margalit
T.A.U Tel Aviv University, Life Sciences
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Jonathan Leor
T.A.U Tel Aviv University, Medicine-Sackler Faculty
Neufeld Cardiac Res Inst.-Sheba
Ramot is Tel Aviv University's (TAU) technology transfer company and its liaison to industry, bringing promising scientific discoveries made at the university to industry's attention. The company provides the legal and commercial frameworks for inventions made by TAU faculty, students and researchers, protecting discoveries with patents and working jointly with industry to bring scientific innovations to the market.
Create your free account to connect with RAMOT at Tel Aviv University Ltd. and thousands of other innovative organizations and professionals worldwide
Send a request for information
to RAMOT at Tel Aviv University Ltd.
Technology Offers on Innoget are directly posted
and managed by its members as well as evaluation of requests for information. Innoget is the trusted open innovation and science network aimed at directly connect industry needs with professionals online.
Need help requesting additional information or have questions regarding this Technology Offer?
Contact Innoget support
