Technology ID
TAB-4529

Prazoles as Potential Broad Spectrum Anti-viral Agents

E-Numbers
E-211-2018-0
Lead Inventor
Carter, Carol (Stony Brook University)
Co-Inventors
Ehrlich, Lorna (Stony Brook University)
Applications
Therapeutics
Therapeutic Areas
Infectious Disease
Development Stages
Pre-Clinical (in vitro)
Lead IC
NHLBI

The technology described involves the use of a compound called prazole as an anti-viral agent specifically targeting HIV-1. It was found that prazole binds to a protein called Tsg101, which is crucial for the virus's life cycle. This binding disrupts the normal interaction of Tsg101 with another protein, ubiquitin, thereby inhibiting the release of HIV-1 particles from infected cells. Additionally, the interference caused by prazole leads to the degradation of the viral protein Gag within host cells. Remarkably, any viral particles that do manage to get released in the presence of the drug are rendered non-infectious, further highlighting the potential of prazole as an effective anti-HIV agent.

Commercial Applications
This technology has potential applications in developing new antiretroviral therapies for HIV, offering a promising avenue for both treatment and reduction of viral transmission.

Competitive Advantages
The competitive advantage of this technology lies in its unique ability to both inhibit HIV-1 particle release and render any released particles non-infectious, offering a novel and potentially more effective approach to HIV treatment.
Licensing Contact:
Shmilovich, Michael
shmilovm@nih.gov