Researchers led by Dr. David Maloney at the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) have discovered several novel compounds that selectively and potently inhibit lipoxygenase (LOX), an enzyme that metabolizes polyunsaturated fatty acids which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancers. These novel compounds are small molecules, and as such have an advantage over antibody-based technologies in this market. As prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among men in the USA and Europe, the significant need for new therapies suggests that these novel LOX inhibitor compounds have a strong potential of reaching the marketplace.

Advantages:

-- Potent and selective inhibitory activity to reduce negative side effects

-- Compounds are small molecules (less immunogenic than antibodies)

Development Status:

Pre-clinical

Therapeutics for several other LOX-associated pathologies including atherosclerosis, asthma, other cancers, glomerulonephritis, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's disease

Collaborative Research Opportunity: The NIH Chemical Genomics Center, NHGRI, is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize this technology. Please contact Claire Driscoll at cdriscol@mail.nih.gov or 301-594-2235 for more information.