Currently there is strong interest in natural proteins, such as thrombospondins, Platelet factor-4, angiostatin and endostatin, as therapeutics for cancer and other diseases, because of the lack of side effects and drug resistance development. Phase I studies demonstrated that the zebrafish is a viable whole animal model for screening proteins and chemical compounds for anti-angiogenic effects. An enzyme assay was successfully developed to quantify vessel growth and a clear dose response was observed for several drugs. In Phase II research, the enzyme assay will be used to determine optimum assay conditions for protein drug testing, and then used to screen therapeutic drug candidates. Since comprehensive commercial drug screening programs rely on a number of confirmatory assays to assess drug specificity, Phase II research will also develop a family of vessel specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) based assays to complement the enzyme assay. Phase II research will also use the vessel specific mAb based markers to elucidate the mechanisms of angiogenesis.

Proposed Commercial Applications

NOT AVAILABLE

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44CA085034-03
Application #
6622501
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-HEM-2 (10))
Program Officer
Wolpert, Mary K
Project Start
2000-01-05
Project End
2005-04-30
Budget Start
2003-05-15
Budget End
2004-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$344,139
Indirect Cost
Name
Phylonix Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
071479849
City
Cambridge
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02139