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Human Brown Adipocyte Transplantation and In Vivo Metabolic Characterization

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Army 		Award ID:
 Program Year/Program:
2012 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
A2-5081 		Solicitation Year:
2011 		Solicitation Topic Code:
A11a-T034 		Solicitation Number:
2011.A
Small Business Information
Energesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
770 Boylston Street #26G Boston, MA 02199-
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2012
Title: Human Brown Adipocyte Transplantation and In Vivo Metabolic Characterization
Agency / Branch: DOD / ARMY
Contract: W81XWH-11-C-0517
Award Amount: $749,692.00
 

Abstract:

Obesity and its associated metabolic complications including diabetes are becoming increasingly prevalent in the general population as well as in military personnel. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a major site of energy expenditure through thermogenesis, which is mediated by the mitochondrial uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1). Studies in animals over the last 30 years as well as recent data in humans strongly suggest that overweight and obese individuals have a low amount of BAT, and that increasing BAT by about 50 grams in obese patients would induce strong weight loss and improve metabolic status (including glucose metabolism, lipid profiles, and cardiovascular risk). The proposed studies aim to develop a prototype system for the transplantation of autologous brown adipocytes. We intend to demonstrate that a readily generated population of human brown adipocytes can be transplanted into an animal model of human obesity and insulin resistance, and that these cells can survive and produce significant improvements in glycemic control and body composition (e.g., body weight, fat mass).

Principal Investigator:

Olivier Boss
Chief Scientific Officer
(617) 959-2322
oboss@energesispharma.com

Business Contact:

Brian Freeman
Chief Operating Officer
(617) 947-9773
bfreeman@energesispharma.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Energesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
770 Boylston Street #26G Boston, MA 02199-

EIN/Tax ID: 270521918
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Boston University
Silvio Conte Building, K602
72 E. Concord Street
Boston, MA 02118-
Contact: Stephen R. Farmer
Contact Phone: (617) 638-4186