ViraCore is a tool-based biotechnology company that is creating a drug discovery platform for use by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. ViraCore is developing """"""""lipoparticles"""""""", nanometer-sized particles surrounded by a lipid bilayer and embedded with membrane-bound receptors, to purify and solubilize complex receptors from the cell surface while maintaining their structural integrity. ViraCore intends to leverage this technology for drug discovery and research of integral membrane proteins on biosensors and other microfluidic devices. Approximately half of the drugs in use today target membrane proteins, including G-protein coupled receptors. The purpose of this proposal is to scale lipoparticle production techniques, modify and improve lipoparticle properties, begin development of second-generation lipoparticles with unique capabilities, and validate lipoparticles for drug discovery applications. The goals of this proposal are to: - Optimize Commercial Manufacture Protocols - Develop Second- generation Lipoparticles - Improve Lipoparticle Composition - Validate Lipoparticles as Drug Screening Reagents

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44GM064924-03
Application #
6708087
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-SSS-2 (10))
Program Officer
Ikeda, Richard A
Project Start
2002-02-15
Project End
2006-01-31
Budget Start
2004-02-01
Budget End
2006-01-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$407,670
Indirect Cost
Name
Integral Molecular
Department
Type
DUNS #
034055645
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104
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Willis, Sharon; Davidoff, Candice; Schilling, Justin et al. (2008) Virus-like particles as quantitative probes of membrane protein interactions. Biochemistry 47:6988-90