Central nervous system (CNS) - targeting drugs, such as antiretrovirals in the treatment of AIDS, need to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in order to reach their therapeutic receptors inside the brain. A critical issue in the treatment of AIDS is that the HIV-1 virus can reside in hard-to-reach sanctuaries in the brain (mainly in macrophage cells). If a candidate molecule does not have the right physical properties to effectively cross the BBB, it cannot realize its therapeutic potential. Our proposal addresses this aspect, with two novel high-throughput assays for CNS drug transport across the BBB. In Phase I of the SBIR we developed a promising brain lipid (BL) parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA), called BL-PAMPA, to predict the kinetic parameters, log PS (permeability-surface area product), measured by the in situ brain perfusion assay in P-glycoprotein deficient [mdr1a(-/-)] """"""""knockout"""""""" mice. In Phase II, we will commercialize this brain lipid and other proprietary reagents. In Phase II, an additional high-throughput blood-brain barrier related assay based on binding gradients will be developed. The new assay will be used to predict rodent steady-state (pseudo-equilibrium) brain penetration, log BB. In our commercialization effort during the three-year Phase II period, we plan to design, make, and test (a) several proprietary reagent-containing buffers, (b) a special microtiter plate for endothelial cultured cell assays that account for the aqueous boundary layer effects, and (c) a blood brain barrier measuring instrument based on diode array UV spectrophotometry, which would increase the rate of data acquisition about 50 fold over currently available instruments.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44MH075211-04
Application #
7692927
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BST-Z (10))
Program Officer
Grabb, Margaret C
Project Start
2005-08-15
Project End
2010-07-31
Budget Start
2009-08-01
Budget End
2010-07-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$312,412
Indirect Cost
Name
Pion, Inc
Department
Type
DUNS #
968364430
City
Woburn
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01801