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Novel Inhibitors of Pim Protein Kinases

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Health and Human Services 		Branch:
N/A 		Award ID:
93505 		Program Year/Program:
2009 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
CA135804 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
VORTEX BIOTECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
VORTEX BIOTECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 26 HOPETOWN RD MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29464 6661
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2009
Title: Novel Inhibitors of Pim Protein Kinases
Agency: HHS
Contract: 1R41CA135804-01A2
Award Amount: $257,864.00
 

Abstract:

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): There is a growing body of evidence that implicates the protein kinase Pim-1 as a major driver of prostate cancer progression, and perhaps response to chemotherapy. Pim-1 is overexpressed in early prostate intraepitheli al neoplasia and metastatic prostate cancer, and its levels predict response to therapy. Pim-1-overexpressing mouse prostate stem cells demonstrate abnormal growth in 3-D collagen cultures, and develop into PIN when placed under the renal capsule. In Rbnul l stem cells, Pim-1 overexpression induces frank neoplasia when grown in the renal capsule model. Pim-1 modulates signaling through the mTOR pathway, providing additional opportunities for targeted cancer therapy. Therefore, the goal of this program is to develop unique inhibitors of Pim-1 that will function, with or without a TOR protein kinase inhibitor such as rapamycin, to treat prostate cancer. We have identified a new chemotype that inhibits Pim-1 protein kinase activity both in vitro and in intact ce lls. In this Phase I STTR project, we will address the feasibility of developing new Pim-1 inhibitors with anticancer activity through the following Specific Aims: 1) To optimize the Pim-1 inhibitors using medicinal and computational chemistry; 2) To evalu ate the effects of the new compounds on Pim-1 in vitro and in prostate cancer cells; and 3) To evaluate the anticancer efficacy of Pim-1 inhibitors in vivo. These studies provide an efficient process for the synthesis and evaluation of new inhibitors of an emerging target for prostate cancer chemotherapy. Completion of these Specific Aims will provide a clear demonstration of the feasibility of using Pim-1 inhibitors as anticancer agents, and identify the drug candidate for further development in a Phase II STTR project. PUBLIC HEALTH RELEVANCE: The Pim protein kinases are critical enzymes involved in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. In this project, we have developed methods for synthesizing and testing new inhibitors of Pim kinases. Continued developme nt of these compounds is necessary to provide important new drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Principal Investigator:

Andrew S. Kraft
8437928284
KRAFT@MUSC.EDU

Business Contact:

Charles D. Smith
Small Business Information at Submission:

VORTEX BIOTECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
VORTEX BIOTECHNOLOGY CORPORATION 26 HOPETOWN RD MOUNT PLEASANT, SC 29464

EIN/Tax ID: 126266336
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees: N/A
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
19 Hagood Ave., Suite 606
CHARLESTON, SC 29425 4919
RI Type: Nonprofit college or university