A number of select phospho-peptides that are derived from the crystal-inhibiting protein osteopontin and that have a distinct set of structural criteria.

Key Areas: Kidney Stones; Ectopic Calcification

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION: The present invention consists in a number of select phospho-peptides that are derived from the crystal-inhibiting protein osteopontin and that have a distinct set of structural criteria. In vitro proof of principle data demonstrate that such therapeutic peptides bind to specific faces in calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals (the nuclei of kidney stones), and prevent growth perpendicular to those faces. As a result, these proprietary peptides have the potential to be used in the treatment and prevention of kidney stone formation and growth.  

BACKGROUND: Kidney stones represent a widespread, painful medical problem that is estimated to affect approximately 10% of the population with up to 60% of patients suffering a recurrent episode. Kidney stones are a significant cause of morbidity leading to time away from work and frequently necessitate surgical intervention with an estimated burden to health care and socioeconomic expenditures of $2 billion annually in the US. The incidence of disease is believed to have increased over the last few decades, particularly among Caucasian males in the United States and other predominantly Caucasian-populated nations.

The most common type of kidney stone, or renal stone, is idiopathic in origin and generally calcareous. In contrast to the normal biomineralization of bones and teeth, the calcium oxalate biomineralization which is believed to cause renal stones contributes significantly to the cost of health care in the United States.

It is believed that crystallization within the urinary tract occurs on an ongoing basis, with the formation of small crystals providing the usual excretory function for eliminating calcareous stone salts. It is when such crystallization is not restricted to the urinary tract that the formation of unwanted crystalline stones in the kidney occurs.

At present there is no effective medical therapy to prevent or treat kidney stones and surgical methods often result in recurrence of kidney stone formation.

POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES/USES: The present invention addressed the need for a simple, noninvasive, outpatient approach for inhibiting the growth of kidney stones and for discouraging recurrence on a maintenance basis. The advantages of this technology are that it mimics a natural process of crystal inhibition and that it involves a set of small molecules. 

Reference Number: UWO-AG-035 

Preclinical

PCT stage

Collaborative/Licensing Agreement