This technology is a new composition using ubiquinone as an anesthetic and sedative for clinical use.
The field of anesthesiology continuously seeks novel anesthetic compounds with improved efficiency and safety profiles. Existing anesthetics are associated with several side effects, such as respiratory and myocardial depression, prolonged sedation, nausea, and immunosuppression, and can present risks for patients with cardiovascular disorders or other conditions. In addition, several existing anesthetics can trigger malignant hyperthermia or result in lethal toxicity when administered continuously for non-procedural sedation in the critically ill. Further, little is understood regarding the means by which anesthetics induce unconsciousness in a reversible manner. There is a continuing need for alternative anesthetic agents with minimal off-target effects and more clearly defined mechanisms.
This technology presents a new anesthetic agent that induces unconsciousness or sedation in a controllable, safe, and reversible manner. These compounds include ubiquinone analogues that inhibit the electron transport chain and cause mitochondrial proton leak in a similar manner as propofol: currently the most popular intravenous anesthetic. Level of consciousness can be easily targeted, allowing for careful titration of dosage in order to achieve a range of responses from light sedation to full general anesthesia. Importantly, the adverse effects and life-threatening side effects common with existing anesthetics do not occur with this agent. Thus, this anesthetic is particularly advantageous for use in critically ill patients or those with pre-existing conditions for which other anesthetics are not safe. This technology offers a favorable alternative anesthetic for widespread clinical use.
This technology has been validated in mice.
Patent Pending (WO/2022/192633)
IR CU21133
Licensing Contact: Cynthia Lang
