Treatment and prevention of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Summary of the technology

A group of researchers in the University of Lleida have preclinical evidence for the positive effects of a peptide administration in the mouse model for ALS (mSOD1G93A mice). When treated with a solution containing interleukin-4 polypeptide (IL4), the team is able to prolong survival, delay the manifestation of the most apparent symptoms of the disease and improve the clinical course of the disease attenuating body weight loss and improving the motor behavior.

The University of Lleida seeks an industrial partner willing to further develop this technology under a license agreement.

Universitat de Lleida

Details of the Technology Offer

ALS is devastating neurodegenerative disorder. It’s a debilitating and life-threatening disease because of the gradual loss of function and its paralyzing effect on muscles used for breathing, which usually leads to death from respiratory failure. The average life expectancy of ALS patients after diagnosis is between 2-5 years.

There is currently no cure for ALS. There only exist two approved ALS medicine: riluzole (Rilutek®), modestly slows the progression of the disease in some people and the recently approved edaravone (Radicava®) reduces the rate of functional decline in these patients. Treatments focus on the alleviation of symptoms, and possibly slowing down the rate of ALS progression.

Chronic administration of recombinant IL4 to ALS preclinical model ( mSOD1G93A mice) leads to:

  • A significant increase in mice lifespan to an average of 17 days (14%)
  • A significant delay in the disease onset, with an average delay of 23 days (22%)
  • A significant decrease in microgliosis in the spinal cord, evaluated by means of Iba-1 and Mac2 immunohistochemistry.
  • A reduction of misfolded forms of neurotoxic SOD1 conformers in neurons, evaluated by means of AJ10 immunohistochemistry.
  • Improved motor behavioral scores (i.e. shorter interpodal distance)

Current development status

Experimental technologies

Desired business relationship

We are looking for an industrial partner willing to adopt a new technology for ALS treatment. The type of partner sought is for the clinical development of the protected technology under a license agreement.

Patent licensing

Technology codevelopment

New technology applications

Applications

With the main aim to minimize or even erase the progression of ALS, the goal would be to develop a more effective therapeutic treatment than those currently available. Our solution could be also developed as a combination product with other therapeutic agents showing promising outcomes.

Intellectual property status

  • Patent already applied for
  • Patent application number :EP15382351

Related Keywords

  • Biological Sciences
  • Medicine, Human Health
  • Medical Research
  • Pharmaceutical Products / Drugs
  • Medical Health related
  • Therapeutic

About Universitat de Lleida

The Valorisation and Technology Transfer Unit (UViT) is the specialized unit for handling the IPR portfolio in the University of Lleida. The UViT works close to researchers in the fields of Agrifood, Biomedicine, Technology and Sustainability and Social Development to identify research results with market potential, to assess the community on the best IP protection strategy and to commercialise technologies through licensing-out agreements and the creation of technology-based companies.

Universitat de Lleida

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