Lead Inventors: Alan Tall, M.D. and Nan Wang, Ph.D.

Problem or Unmet Need:
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, affecting over 80 million persons and representing the cause of a third of annual deaths. Indeed the market for treatment of hyperlipidemia, a cause of atherosclerotic disease, remains one of the largest in medicine, estimated at ~$15 billion in 2004 and growing to over $25 billion by 2015. Although HMG-CoA inhibitors (statins) have been the mainstay of lipid treatment in cardiovascular disease, much interest has been focused on the development of therapeutics aimed at molecular targets of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Novel therapeutics aimed at this molecular pathway can potentially the size of atherosclerotic plaques, an effect not observed by statin use alone.

Details of the Invention:
This technology demonstrates the use of a modified HDL particle Apo-AI for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease. Human purified native Apo-AI is the major HDL particle found in the body with the function of reversing lipid transport; however, the native protein is degraded quickly by the liver and kidney, making it difficult to achieve therapeutic levels in the blood. This invention includes details and methods for the generation of PEGylated Apo-AI in which a polyethylene glycol substrate is attached to the HDL particle. This novel PEGylated compound has the unique property of an extended half-life allowing prolonged circulation and therapeutic effect. Overall, this compound can be used for long-term treatment of coronary artery disease or any cardiovascular disease in which reverse transport of lipids from atherosclerotic plaques is desired.

Applications:
• Treatment of atherosclerosis in coronary artery or peripheral arterial disease
• Research compound for use in study of HDL protein

Advantages:
• Long half-life allows greater therapeutic efficacy
• Lower dosages needed thus avoiding toxicity

Patent Status: Patent Pending

Licensing Status: Available for Licensing and Sponsored Research Support

Further Information
Peter Golikov
Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu

File Number: 2556