Discovery of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazines with Anticancer Properties

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrazines that display potent inhibition of FLT3, as well as potent binding and activity against FLT3 tyrosine kinase domain and gatekeeper mutations. This chemotype exhibits superior anti-leukemic activity against the common clinically-relevant FLT3-mutant acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in vitro and in vivo. Tyrosine kinase domain mutations are a common cause of acquired resistance to FLT3 inhibitors used to treat FLT3-mutant AML.

Salt and Crystal Forms of 2R,6R-Hydroxynorketamine for the Treatment of Depression

This technology includes two new salt forms for (2R,6R)-hydroxynorketamine (2R,6R-HNK), which is the lead molecule being developed for treatment-resistant depression. Currently, 2R,6R-HNK is being developed as the HCl salt. The HCl salt is slightly hygroscopic at high RH. This is a potential liability, especially in an oral pill form. Recently the malonate and salicylate salt have been discovered and found to have excellent crystalline behavior while also not having the hygroscopic liability the HCl salt holds. This represents a clear advantage.

Potent and selective RORgt inhibitors can be used to developed novel treatments for Th17-related autoimmune diseases

This technology includes a series of diphenylpropanamides as potent and selective RORgt inhibitors for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor RORgt plays an important role in the differentiation of thymocytes, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and inflammatory T helper-expressing interleukin 17a (Th17) cells. Small molecule RORgt inhibitors may provide means to regulate Th17 mediated immune response.

Amido compounds as RORgt Modulators for the Treatment of Th17-related Autoimmune Diseases

This technology includes a series of diphenylpropanamides as potent and selective RORgt inhibitors for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases. The retinoic acid-related orphan receptor RORgt plays an important role in the differentiation of thymocytes, lymphoid tissue inducer cells, and inflammatory T helper-expressing interleukin 17a (Th17) cells. Small molecule RORgt inhibitors may provide means to regulate Th17 mediated immune response.

Use Of p21-Activated Kinases (PAK) Inhibitors for the Treatment of CNS Disorders and Cancer

This technology includes the compounds, compositions, and methods for treating CNS disorders and cancer with an inhibitor of a p21-activated kinase (PAK). PAK activation is shown to play a key role in spine morphogenesis, and attenuation of PAK can reduce, prevent or reverse defects in spine morphogenesis leading to improvements in synaptic function, cognition, and/or behavior. This could be used to treat a wide variety of CNS disorders such as schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, depression, bipolar, and many others.

Small Molecule Inhibitors Against Human apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APEl) for the Treatment of Cancer

This technology includes a novel APEl small molecule inhibitor, which exhibits potent in vitro activity and potentiates the cytotoxicity of DNA damaging agents. APEl is the primary mammalian enzyme responsible for the removal of abasic (AP sites) in DNA and functions as part of the base excision DNA repair pathway (BER). BER is instrumental in the repair of DNA damage caused by DNA alkylating agents (e.g., many cancer chemotherapeutics). Thus, inhibition of this pathway should potentiate the cytotoxicity of such compounds.

Remodelins, a New Class of Compounds to Prevent Airway Remodeling and to Treat and Prevent Fibrosis in Multiple Organs

This technology includes a new class of compounds, called remodelins, which can be used to prevent airway remodeling and prevent lung fibrosis. Currently no effective therapies are available for lung fibrosis. This compound could also be employed as a treatment for asthma.

Remodelins, a New Class of Compounds to Prevent or Treat Cancer Metastasis or Glaucoma

This technology includes a series of small molecule organic compounds, called remodelins, that are synthetic derivative analogs of a parent compound discovered by screening of a Chembridge library. The novel synthetic derivative analogs were generated through multiple iterations of compounds directed by in vitro experiments. The invention also includes use of these or related molecules to treat cancer and/or glaucoma.

Systemic CRISPR Therapy for the Treatment of Inherited Diseases

This technology includes novel systemic adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated CRISPR gene therapy technology. While some diseases (e.g., retinal diseases) can be treated through local gene transfer, many diseases such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) require systemic therapy. The CRISPR technology has two components, the Cas9 endonuclease, and the gRNA. To explore systemic CRISPR therapy, we co-delivered the AAV.Cas9 and AAV.gRNA vector to mdx mice, a mouse DMD model. Direct delivery to muscle yielded efficient gene correction.