Technologies

Information collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during 2006 showed that cardiovascular disease (CVD) from all causes accounts for 29% of deaths worldwide and ranks second only to infectious and parasitic diseases. In the United States alone, atherosclerosis reportedly affects one in four persons, causing approximately 42% of all deaths. With a market size of more than $15 billion, the market for novel atherosclerosis therapies has very lucrative potential.

Competitors and Current Problems: Inflammatory response plays an important role in the onset, development and evolution of atherosclerotic lesions. Elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are non-specific but sensitive markers of the acute inflammatory response. High levels of C-reactive protein are frequently observed in patients with unstable angina and acute myocardial infarction. Although C-reactive protein is present in atherosclerotic lesions, no previous study has specifically assessed the possible effects of C-reactive protein on vascular cells. Clearly, there is a need to keep broadening the treatment options for cardiovascular disease

The Technology: Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHSC-H) have developed methods and compositions that may be used in treating CVD and other inflammatory disorders that are augmented by C-reactive protein. More particularly, the invention relates to methods for screening for modulators that inhibit C-reactive protein and the use of these modulators to inhibit C-reactive protein induced vascular inflammation. Lowering C-reactive protein levels may have beneficial effects on the evolution of atherosclerosis and may reduce the risk of coronary events.

UTHSC-H has secured patent protection and is interested in implementation of this technology into a clinical setting.