Purine receptor blockade for treating hemorrhagic shock

This technology is a P2X4 or P2X7 purine receptor-targeted therapy for the treatment of shock-induced multiple organ failure.

Unmet Need: Therapies to prevent and treat shock-induced multiple organ failure

There is a critical unmet need for therapies that go beyond symptom management in shock-induced multiple organ failure. Current treatments do not target the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms driving organ dysfunction. Emerging evidence suggests that pharmacological agents capable of binding to specific biological receptors may offer a way to prevent or mitigate cellular damage by stabilizing intracellular and extracellular processes during and after shock.

The Technology: P2X4 or P2X7 purine receptor antagonists for treating hemorrhagic shock

This technology identifies the purine receptors P2X4 and P2X7 as treatment targets for treating shock-induced organ injury and inflammation. Trauma and hemorrhagic shock increase ATP levels, activating P2X4 and P2X7, which initiates inflammation and organ injury. Blocking these purine receptors with antagonists, antagonistic nanobodies, or other methods may present a promising approach to protect against trauma and shock-induced multiple organ failure.

This technology has been validated in in vivo models of human trauma-related shock.

Applications:

  • Therapy for hemorrhagic shock
  • Sepsis treatment
  • Organ preservation
  • Inflammatory disease treatment
  • Chronic pain management

Advantages:

  • Biological receptor blockade for treating shock
  • First-in-class therapeutic agent
  • Prevention of immune-related inflammation
  • Effective against damage in multiple organs

Lead Inventor:

George Hasko, M.D., Ph.D.

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: