Description:
Project ID: D2021-48
Background
Bone loss is one of the common symptoms associated with normal aging and pathologies. An increased bone mass loss and mineral density are the primary reason for osteoporosis, arthritis, fractures, etc. Together it affects millions of individuals in the US alone. While several drugs targeting the prevention of bone loss have been in clinical use, they are biological treatments that need to be injected regularly, last a short time, and need to be combined with additional anti-resorptive drugs. Therefore, there is a need for new drugs that promote bone growth. Developing a drug with an osteo-anabolic effect would be highly desirable for prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for aged and immunosuppressed individuals.
Invention Description
Two injections of 14-3-3z by immunization protected animals for at least 45 days (needs to be tested longer). These results suggest that 14-3-3z immunization has better efficacy compared to the existing therapies.
Applications
- Treat broken or weakened bones
- Prophylactic for bone loss
Advantages
- Multiple ways to administer (injection of protein of mRNA, dermal or ointment patch)
- Fewer treatments anticipated
IP Status: Patent Pending
Publication: Kim, J., Chun, K., McGowan, J., Zhang, Y., Czernik, P. J., Mell, B., Joe, B., Chattopadhyay, S., Holoshitz, J. Chakravarti, R. (2021). 14-3-3ζ: A suppressor of inflammatory arthritis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(34).