Sunday November 08 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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Sunday November 08 2009 | Biotechnology feed | All feeds
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CD40: A novel target for the prevention of bone loss Osteoporosis is a significant health problem for approximately 55% of Americans aged 55 years and older. The American Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that in 2002, 44 million Americans will be at risk of osteoporosis and low bone mass and the direct costs associated with the treatment of osteoporosis derived bone fractures will be $17 billion. Bone loss is also a significant problem for many patients undertaking steroid treatment, representing the 3rd most common cause of bone loss and of those patients treated with steroids for more than 6 months, 30%-50% will develop osteoporosis. Bone loss is most rapid in the first year of steroid treatment when up to 20% of bone mass can be lost. Scientists at UTHSCSA have made the novel discovery that CD40 is expressed on osteocytes and osteoblasts. Activation of CD40 using CD40 ligands, agonists and activating antibodies against CD40 inhibits osteocyte/osteoblast cell death and thereby reduces bone cell loss. This data suggests that CD40 ligands, agonists and CD40 antibodies can be used to prevent bone loss in patients being treated with high dose and/or long-term steroids, in patients with osteoporosis, in women with surgically induced estrogen deficiency, or in patients with bone loss due to inflammatory cytokines such as those with inflammatory arthritis. These uses are claimed in a recent patent application and are available for exclusive licensing. Despite a considerable level of research surrounding CD40, few therapeutic candidates have yet been developed, suggesting that exploiting the technology claimed by this institution will lead to particularly novel compounds December, 2002
Adapted from WO 01/16180: CD40 AGONIST COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk Projects such as these are overviewed in full DiscoveryDossiers. LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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