Novel Osteobiologic Proteins for Treatment of Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid and Neurologic Diseases

In an effort to find effective strategies for treatment of body tissue and structural damage as the result of trauma, cancer and other diseases, scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have identified Cartilage-Derived Morphogenetic Proteins (CDMP) and associated pathways instrumental in replacing or regenerating damaged tissue. These proteins have unique activities likely to be useful as stand alone agents or in construction of engineered tissues.

CDMPs appear helpful in the healing of bone and joint surface lesions, and also for the repair or reconstruction of cartilaginous tissues, tendons and ligaments. The invention identifies proteins belonging to TGF-Beta superfamily that promote repair of menisci, cruciate and collateral ligaments of the knee, and rotator cuff tendons. The patent application claims nucleic acids encoding human Cartilage-Derived Morphogenetic Protein-1 (hCDMP-1) variant polypeptides. Morphogenetic proteins are able to induce the proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells into functional bone, cartilage, tendon, or ligament tissue.

Potential Commercial Applications:

rheumatic diseases of the bone
osteoporosis and osteoarthritis
wound healing
neurodegenerative disorders
growth and repair of musculoskeletal tissues
tissue engineering

Competitive Advantages:

Osteobiologics, such as CDMPs, have the ability to stimulate musculo-skeletal repair instead of using donated human tissue allografts and synthetic materials.

Inventors:
Malcolm Moos
John Thomas

Intellectual Property:
PCT Application No. PCT/US2006/022806
US Application No. 11/916,990

Licensing Contact:
Bill Ronnenberg, JD-MIP, MS
FDA Technology Transfer Program
10903 New Hampshire Ave.
Building WO1, Rm 4214
Silver Spring, MD 20993
Email: FDAInventionlicensing@fda.hhs.gov
Phone: 240-402-4561

OTT Reference No: E-196-2004/0
Updated: August 6, 2015