Dr. Olivera and his collaborators at University of Utah are awarded for discovery of conotoxins with patent (few years before NXCO start working on synthetic analogs-conopeptides). Neurex does have right to conopeptides (SNX series) for the pain and ischemia-related neuronal damage, but they can not cover used of the natural conotoxin-conopeptides for some indications. It means that Cognetix ( I suppose that they have patent right from Dr. Olivera , scientific co-founder of Cognetix) should be free from any patent infringements.
United States Patent
4,447,356
Olivera, et. al.
May 8, 1984
Conotoxins
Inventors: Olivera; Baldomero M. (1370 Bryan Ave., Salt Lake City, UT 84105); Cruz; Lourdes J. (3993 Dangal, Sta Mesa, Manila, PH); Gray; William R. (3769 Parkview Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84117); Rivier; Jean E. F. (9674 Blackgold Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037).
Appl. No.: 385,125
File: Jun. 4, 1982
Related U.S. Application Data
Continuation-in-part of Ser No. 255,237, Apr. 17, 1981, abandoned.
Abstract
The present invention provides bioactive peptides of generic formula ##STR1## These peptides are extremely potent inhibitors of synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junction, while at the same time lacing demonstrable inhibition of either nerve or muscle action potential propagation. The peptides are termed conotoxins herein. Naturally occurring conotoxins include conotoxin GI, GIA and GII. In conotoxin GI, U is Glu, V(4) is Asn, V(5) is Pro, V(6) is Ala, W is Gly, X is Arg, Y is His, Z is Tyr, V(12) is Ser and R is --NH(2). Conotoxin GIA is identical to GI except R is --Gly--Lys--NH(2). Conotoxin GII is identical to GI except that V(4) is His, Z is Phe, and X is Lys. Conotoxin MI is identical to GI except that U is Gly-Arg, X is Lys and Y is Asn.
Recently Dr. Olivera received three new patents covering isolated naturally occurred conopeptides as potential treatment for CNS disorder:
1. 5,595,972 Conotoxin peptides
2. 5,591,821 Omega-conotoxin peptides
3. 5,589,340 Process and primers for identifying nucleic acids encoding A-lineage conotoxin peptides
CTII approach to drug-delivery in CNS is unique and it show promising results for severe pain management, Astra collaboration. Main target in CTII/GNE is Parkinson's disease, and probably primary CTII/Cogn target will not overlapped SIBI/Cogn collaboration, but it will be IMO consider very closely. Because I do not have terms for SIBI/Cogn collaborations, I will be grateful if you can post some data.
Also, Astra will love to be included in CTII/Cogn as late phase development/marketing partner, which will be plus for CTII, as it is "Virtual" company. Because my free day-time is limited, I will appreciate any comments on direct companies contact you suggest. Facts that market didn't react on positive news for CTII sugest that street do not have any idea on great CTII oportunity in cell-encapsulated CNS protein delivery method. Time will cure this.
mz |
