Adrenomedullin (AM), a 52-amino acid regulatory peptide, is expressed in a wide range of tissues, and has a variety of biological roles.  AM was initially identified as a vasodilator, and the effects of AM and its fragments in the cardiovascular system have been widely studied.  AM also has important effects on renal function, cell growth, glucose metabolism, and regulation of hormone secretion, and has antimicrobial activity.

This technology claims AM peptides and antibodies, which would be useful in the development of a therapeutic or for diagnostics use.  Also claimed are methods of inhibiting tumor cell growth using AM peptides, in particular in a patient suffering from a lung tumor.  Claims are also directed to methods of treating a subject with AM-associated conditions, including diabetes, pregnancy, neurological disease, inflammation, or bone development.   Finally, methods are claimed for diagnosing or monitoring a disease where AM levels are altered.

Also available is a murine monoclonal antibody, MoAb-G6, which was raised against an AM peptide.  This antibody neutralizes AM bioactivity, and reacts with the processed form of AM, but not the preprohormone.  This antibody would be useful not only for research use, but also as part of a diagnostic assay for measurement or detection of AM.

Applications:

• Peptide- or antibody-based therapeutics for cancer, diabetes, inflammation or other AM-associated disease.
• Diagnostic tools for the detection of AM-positive tumors or other AM-associated conditions.
• Research use of AM peptides and antibodies.

Development Status:

This technology is currently in the pre-clinical stage of development.

• U.S. Patent Serial No. 6,320,022 issued 20 Nov 2001 (HHS Reference No. E-206-1995/3-US-04)
• U.S. Patent Serial No. 7,101,548 issued 05 Sept 2006 (HHS Reference No. E-206-1995/3-US-10)
• U.S. Patent Application No. 11/517,599 filed 05 Sept 2006 (HHS Reference No. E-206-1995/3-US-11)
• Foreign counterparts in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, and Japan

Related Technologies:

• HHS Reference No. E-256-1999/0 -- Determination of Adrenomedullin-Binding Proteins
• HHS Reference No. E-294-2002/0 -- A New Target for Angiogenesis and Anti-Angiogenesis Therapy

Inventors:
Frank Cuttitta et al. (NCI)

Licensees Sought:
Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing.

Collaborative Research Opportunity:
The National Cancer Institute Angiogenesis Core Facility is seeking statements of capability or interest from parties interested in collaborative research to further develop, evaluate, or commercialize Use of Adrenomedullin Peptides and Antibodies in the Treatment and Diagnosis of Cancer, Diabetes and other Disorders.  Please contact John D. Hewes, Ph.D. at 301-435-3121 or hewesj@mail.nih.gov for more information.