The objective of this Phase I SBIR is to determine whether preventing LDL modification, in combination with an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, is of added benefit in arresting the development and/or slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. The rationale for this application derives from evidence linking modified LDL to diabetic glomerulosclerosis; the imperfect protection provided by inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), particularly in type 2 diabetes and in later stage disease; and our recent work demonstrating that a small molecule that prevents LDL modification is reno-protective in db/db mice. Notably, this compound (designated GLY-022) lessens urinary excretion of albumin and of collagen IV, a marker of renal extracellular matrix accumulation, protects against reduction in filtration function, prevents renal overproduction of TGF-beta1 protein, and restores glomerular nephrin in db/db mice. These findings suggest that GLY-022 may have a therapeutic role in the treatment of renal disease in human diabetes. Since RAS inhibitors are widely used in diabetic patients with increased albumin excretion and/or decreased glomerular filtration function, it is important to document that any proposed novel intervention strategy for diabetic renal disease confers added benefit on a background of treatment with an RAS inhibitor before lengthy and expensive clinical development of new therapies is undertaken.
The specific aims of this Phase I project are to: a) Evaluate and compare the effect of lisinopril and of GLY-022, alone and in combination, on the development and progression of diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice; b) Perform dose response efficacy studies and determine optimum dosing range for meaningful effect of GLY-022, when added to chronic lisinopril therapy, on renal structure and function in diabetic rodents; and c) Assess the ability of GLY-022 added early versus later in the course of diabetes to prevent or ameliorate the structure/function changes of overt nephropathy in diabetic rodents treated with lisinopril. Positive results in this feasibility project will provide strong impetus to pursue a Phase II project and clinical development of this compound.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase I (R43)
Project #
1R43DK072587-01
Application #
6988934
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-RUS-B (11))
Program Officer
Moxey-Mims, Marva M
Project Start
2005-08-01
Project End
2006-01-31
Budget Start
2005-08-01
Budget End
2006-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$104,298
Indirect Cost
Name
Exocell, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
185992070
City
Philadelphia
State
PA
Country
United States
Zip Code
19104