Out-licensing

Development of a New Interference RNA to Treat Hypertension

Introduction/Background

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure is elevated.

Aims/Hypothesis

Our research is focused on the development of novel methods for the treatment of hypertension.

Research

Researchers from the University of Alberta have designed a new interference RNA (RNAi) against targets involved in hypertension. The RNAi has been shown to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAMs), which may assist in the reduction of blood pressure in a wide range of hypertensive patients.

Based on both in vitro and in vivo models in spontaneous hypertensive rats (SHR), the researchers have established that RNAi inhibition of one or more molecules of the MMP-7/ADAM-12/ADAM-17 network has resulted in the reduction of blood pressure. The delivery of MMP-7 specific antisense oligonucleotides in SHR resulted in attenuation of angiotensin II-induced hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy (inhibited ADAM-12 overexpression), while the delivery of ADAM-17 and MMP-7 specific antisense oligonucleotides in SHR prevented angiotensin II-induced hypertension and the development of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.

Conclusion

RNAi enables enhanced specificity to targets underlying a wide range of hypertensive conditions

Relevance/Opportunity

This licensing opportunity would be of interest to companies involved in RNAi therapies. Please enquire regarding licensing or codevelopment partnerships quoting reference no. 2008-049.

Preclinical

Patent(s) Pending