Potential New Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases Using

Keywords:  Therapeutic,  neurodegenerative disease, Parkinson, Huntington, Alzheimer, GLP-1, Exendin-4, incretin,

Summary: 
The National Institute on Aging, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further co-develop analogs of Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Exendin-4 for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Technology: 
GLP-1 and the related peptide exendin-4 are incretin mimetics that enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion. These compounds and their analogs are used clinically in the treatment of type 2 diabetes to enhance insulin secretion and maintain a euglycemic state.
 
Researchers at the NIH have discovered the novel use of GLP-1 and exendin-4 analogs in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.  Studies conducted in cell culture and in mouse models using these analogs have demonstrated significant neuroprotective effects in models of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer''s disease, Parkinson''s disease, Huntington''s disease, and others.  Additionally,  clinical studies are ongoing to evaluate the use of GLP-1 and exendin-4 analogs for the treatment of diseases such as early Alzheimer''s disease, stroke, and diabetic neuropathy.

Potential Commercial Advantages:

• Compounds reduce neuronal cell death, amyloid deposition and neuroinflammation while promoting neurogenesis.
• Compounds in this class have already been shown to be safe and effective for other indications.
• Extensive in vitro and animal data are available, and clinical studies are ongoing.

Development Stage: Pre-clinical, in vitro and in vivo animal and human data available.

Patent Status: 

• U.S. Patent 7,576,050 (08/18/2009), with foreign filings in Australia, Canada, Europe, India, and Japan

Publications:   
1.  Li Y, et al.  PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e32008.  [PMID 22384126]
2.  Li Y, et al.  J Neurochem. 2010 Jun;113(6):1621-1631.  [PMID 20374430]
3.  Li Y, et al.  J Alzheimers Dis. 2010;19(4):1205-1219.  [PMID 20308787]
4.  Li Y, et al.  Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009 Jan 27;106(4):1285-1290.  [PMID 19164583]
5.  Martin B, et al.  Diabetes. 2009 Feb;58(2):318-328.  [PMID:18984744]

Contact:
Please submit an information request form at  http://techtransfer.cancer.gov or contact:
Vio Conley, 240-276-5531, conleyv@mail.nih.gov.

Last updated: 04/04/2012

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