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This technology includes a group of eight AMPK activating compounds to be further developed for the treatment of Niemann Pick Type C (NPC) disease. Through the recent molecular biology and pharmacological experiments, we have identified the cyclodextrin which directly binds to beta-subunits of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMP), resulting in subsequently activations of AMPK and AMPK linked autophagy, and restoration of autophagy function that is impaired in the NPC cells.

This technology includes newly identified best-in-class inhibitors of the p53-S100B interaction that plays a role in malignant melanoma. S100B contributes to cancer cell proliferation (particularly malignant melanoma) by binding to p53 and inhibiting its tumor suppressor function. A high-throughput screen was used to find p53-S100B inhibitors, leading to the identification of a putative inhibitor, which was then subjected to medicinal chemistry optimization. Structure-based design was then used to develop compounds with significantly improved potency.

This technology includes the design, synthesis, and use of a novel chemical series for multiple treatments, including for treating cancer. A series of substituted bicyclic heteroaryl small molecules were found to be a potent inhibitor of bromodomain-containing protein 4 (BRD4) for multiple uses, including cancer. A BRD4 inhibitor is in a class of drugs known as BET inhibitors that are used broadly as anti-inflammatories and as anti-cancer agents. The chemical series exhibited less hepatocyte toxicity compared to existing treatments.

This technology includes a cell line that expresses two reporters (a secreted luciferase, secNLuc, and GFP) in a pattern that recapitulates the endogenous expression of the peripheral myelin protein 22 (Pmp22) gene. Pmp22 is mainly expressed in the Schwann cells of the peripheral nervous system. Many neurological disorders are associated with aberrations in Schwann cells, including the most common inherited peripheral neuropathy known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. This cell line will permit the study of the regulatory elements behind the gene.

This technology includes the creation and use of compounds, including kinetin derivatives, that improve mRNA splicing in a cell for the treatment of disorders associated with misspliced mRNA, including familial dysautonomia (FD). FD, the best-known and most common member of a group of congenital sensory and autonomic neuropathies, affects neuronal development and is associated with progressive neuronal degeneration. This disease is caused by mutations in the splicing of intron 20 of the IKMKAP gene that results in a unique pattern of tissue-specific exon skipping.

This technology includes the use of novel lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) inhibitors, including WO2018005807A1, for the treatment of primary hyperoxalurias (PHs). PHs are rare autosomal recessive disorders caused by overproduction of oxalate, leading to recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stone disease, and in some cases end-stage renal disease. One potential strategy to treat PHs is to reduce the production of oxalate by diminishing the activity of LDH, the proposed key enzyme responsible for converting glyoxylate to oxalate.

This technology includes the identification and use of a ketamine metabolite, (2R,6R)-2-amino-2-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-hydroxycyclohexanone (HNK), for the treatment of depression. Ketamine is an NMDA receptor antagonist that exerts a rapid and sustained antidepressant and anti-suicidal effect. However, even low doses of ketamine has addictive and psychomimetic effects. The downstream metabolite, (2R,6R)-HNK, does not inhibit the NMDA receptor but recapitulates the antidepressant and anti-suicidal effect of ketamine.

This invention includes a novel high-throughput assay to identify orthosteric inhibitors blocking the Zika virus NS2B-NS3 protease. Pathogenic flaviviruses, including Zika, require the NS2B-NS3 protease for viral replication. There is currently an unmet need for specific antiviral therapeutics against the Zika virus. Preliminary screening using the NCGC Pharmaceutical Collection library identified a group of drugs including temoporfin, erythrosin B, niclosamide, and nitazoxanide that can significantly inhibit the interactions between NS2B and NS3.

This technology includes the use of a novel formulation for an engineered version of Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1), TTHX1114, that can be used to accelerate regeneration of the corneal endothelium after surgical lesions. FGFs are well-established regulators of migration and proliferation of corneal endothelial cells (CECs).

This technology includes a series of imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazines 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.