SK 894. Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases with 2-Bromopalmitate

Summary of Invention

Inhibition of protein palmitoylation represents a novel mechanism by which long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids exert their immunosuppressive effects. Therefore, inhibiting palmitoylation may be useful in treating patients with autoimmune (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Crohn's disease, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus) or inflammatory diseases. Since a palmitate analog, 2-bromopalmitate, effectively inhibits palmitoylation, administering a pharmacologically effective dose of 2-bromopalmitate to a patient would be a novel approach in the treatment of these diseases.

Advantages

Low-cost and stable compound.

Areas of Application

Therapeutic drug for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Stage of Development

Proof of principle in cell culture.

Lead Inventor

Dr. Marilyn D. Resh

Patent Information

US patent 6,890,954

References

Webb Y, et al. J Biol Chem. 275:261-270 (2000).

Contact Information

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