SK 896. Protection of the Female Reproductive System from Natural and Unnatural Insults

Summary of Invention

Acid sphingomyelinase (aSMase) and ceramide generation have been associated with apoptotic cell death after natural or artificial insult. Moreover, ceramide has been implicated in the induction of apoptosis in the ovary. By administering an agent to women that antagonizes one or more aSMase gene products, fertility and normal ovarian functions are preserved under adverse conditions, including natural aging.

Such therapy can protect a woman's germline from normal or premature aging or from destruction as a result of cancer therapy regimens, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Administration of a composition containing a ceramide metabolite, sphingosine 1-phosphate, or an analog preserves, enhances, or revives ovarian function in women. In addition, this product also prevents or ameliorates menopausal syndromes and improves in vitro fertilization techniques.

Advantages

There are no similar therapies presently available.

Areas of Application

Therapeutic drug.

Stage of Development

Proof of concept established in mice.

Lead Inventors

Dr. Richard N. Kolesnick
Dr. Jonathan L. Tilly (Massachusetts General Hospital)

Patent Information

• US patent issued 7,195,775.
• US patent application published as US 20030157086.
• PCT applications published as WO 01/60318 and WO 2004/014271.

References

• Tilly JL, Kolesnick RN. Chem Phys Lipids. 102(1-2):149-55 (1999).
• Morita Y, et al. Nat Med. 6(10):1109-14 (2000).
• Lozano J, et al. J Biol Chem. 276:442-8 (2001).
• Paris F, et al. Nat Med. 8:901-2 (2002).

Contact Information

Viviane Martin, PhD
Tel: 212-639-6181; Fax: 212-717-3439
E-mail:martinv@mskcc.org