Fiscal Year:
2001
Title:
A NOVEL ANTIFUNGAL COMPOUND FROM CAYENNE PEPPER
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
N/A
Award Amount:
$99,582.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (Adapted from the application): Deep-seated mycoses are being
increasingly observed in immunocompromised patients and in patients receiving
aggressive cancer chemotherapy. The use of available drugs for the treatment of
these infections is limited by toxicity and the emergence of resistant fungal
species. The impact of fungal infections in the clinical management of
inimunocompromised patients underscores the clear need for new antifungals.
Historically, microorganisms and plants have been rich sources of drugs for the
treatment of human disease. We have identified a novel, broadly-active
antifungal compound from the dried fruit of Capsicum spp. (cayenne pepper).
CAY-1, the active agent, was purified to homogeneity and, based on chemical
analysis, is a novel saponin with a molecular mass of 1243 Da. In this Phase I
proposal, we plan to extend our preliminary work and characterize more fully
CAY-1's potential as an antifungal therapeutic. We will accomplish this in
three specific aims:
A. Aim One: Purify 500 mg of CAY-1 for the work described in Aims Two through
Four
C. Aim Two: Characterize the antifungal activity of CAY-1.
D. Aim Three. Determine the in vitro toxicity of CAY-1 and the in vivo efficacy
of CAY-1 against Candida albicans
PROPOSED COMMERCIAL APPLICATION:
The research outlined in this Phase I SBIR proposal will lead to the evaluation of a novel
antifungal compound. We estimate that the market potential for a novel and safe antifungal
drug to be greater than $200,000,000 per year.
Principal Investigator:
Claude P. Selitrennikoff
Small Business Information at Submission:
MYCOLOGICS, INC.
12635 E MONTVIEW BLVD AURORA, CO 80010
EIN/Tax ID:
841501938
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
No
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No