Fiscal Year:
2010
Title:
Novel Methods for Dissolving Blood Clots
Agency:
HHS
Contract:
1R41HL092750-01A2
Award Amount:
$167,685.00
Abstract:
DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Current therapies for cardiovascular disease are associated with partial success, restricted access, delays, possible neurotoxicity and other important limitations. Our goal is to develop a novel therapeutic agent that is safer and more effective at dissolving the blood clots (thrombi) that cause heart attacks and strokes. Studies of humans and mice with lifelong deficiency of a2-antiplasmin (a2AP) have shown that it is the major regulator of blood clot dissolution. We have produced high affinity monoclonal antibodies that induce functional a2AP deficiency. We have shown that these monoclonal antibodies cause venous thrombi and pulmonary emboli to dissolve invivo. They also accelerate the dissolution of cerebral arterial thrombi-thereby reducing stroke size without increasing bleeding. In this Phase I application, we will modify these promising antibodies by molecular engineering techniques to convert them into potential therapeutics suitable for human trials. In Aim 1 we will engineer and express a chimerized antibody and antibody fragment (Fab). In Aim 2 we will evaluate the relative abilities of the antibody and antibody fragment to bind and inhibit a2AP and enhance blood clot dissolution. With successful completion of these aims we will pursue a Phase II application to optimize the production of these molecules in order to examine their safety and efficacy in suitable pre-clinical models. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Each year ~ 1.6 million Americans suffer a heart attack or stroke. The resulting death and disability costs the U.S. a staggering 316 billion a year. Current therapies are associated with partial success, restricted access, delays, possible neurotoxicity and other important limitations. This project seeks to develop a novel therapy for heart attacks and strokes that could markedly reduce death, disability and costs.
Small Business Information at Submission:
TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCES, INC.
1840 Overton Park Avenue Memphis, TN 38112-5410
EIN/Tax ID:
126057441
DUNS:
N/A
Number of Employees:
N/A
Woman-Owned:
Yes
Minority-Owned:
No
HUBZone-Owned:
No
Research Institution Information:
University Of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
62 S Dunlap, Suite 300
MEMPHIS, TN 38163-