Technologies

Background
Congestive heart failure affects 5 million people in the US; 550,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Elevated cholesterol affects 51 million in the US, and the prevalence is expected to increase. Furthermore 34% of adults in the US are categorized as obese by the Center for Disease Control. Thyroid hormone analog, DITPA (3,5-Diiodothyropropionic Acid), may be used to treat these diseases. Although thyroid hormone and some thyroid hormone analogs have useful properties, there are a number of undesirable side effects associated with their use including tachycardia. DITPA is potentially an effective therapeutic agent with minimal adverse effects.

Technology
Researchers at the University of Arizona and the Southwest Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS) in Tucson, AZ have created DITPA to treat congestive heart failure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and to promote weight loss with fewer adverse side-effects than other available compounds. The University and the Department of Veterans Affairs jointly hold patents describing the synthesis and administration of DITPA. DITPA has been tested in clinical trials sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and a private pharmaceutical company. Steven Goldman, MD (SAVAHCS) is available to discuss the trial data with interested parties.

Publication
DITPA (3,5-Diiodothyropropionic Acid), a Thyroid Hormone Analog to Treat Heart Failure: Phase II Trial Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study. Goldman S, McCarren M, Morkin E, Ladenson PW, Edson R, Warren S, Ohm J, Thai H, Churby L, Barnhill J, O'Brien T, Anand I, Warner A, Hattler B, Dunlap M, Erikson J, Shih MC, Lavori P.
Circulation. 2009 Jun 23;119(24):3093-100. Epub 2009 Jun 8.