Available Technology
Compositions and methods for treating papillomavirus-infected cells
Technology:
Inhibitors of viral replication
Markets Addressed
Human papillomaviruses have been linked to widespread, serious human diseases, especially cervical carcinoma. Researchers estimate that over 90% of the 500,000 cases of cervical cancer that arise worldwide each year may be linked to HPV.
In addition to cervical cancer, papillomaviruses commonly induce benign, dysplastic and malignant hyperproliferations of skin and mucosal epithelium, causing warts, plantar warts, venereal warts and others. These skin growths are unsightly, irritating and potentially carcinogenic, and frequently removed.
Applications of this technology include:
-Treatment for cervical carcinoma
-Treatment for warts and other papillomavirus infections
Innovations and Advantages
Dr. Peter Howley's laboratory at Harvard Medical School has developed inhibitors of viral replication. Essentially, they found that a specific, highly conserved peptide sequence essential for replication. Mutations in this sequence blocked replication. More importantly, Dr. Howley's group showed that small peptide fragments inhibit both critical replication functions and viral replication in vitro. His group believes inhibitory peptidomimetics could readily be synthesized using this information.
Advantages of the technology include:
-Novel approach to inhibitors
-Potential for highly specific therapy
Additional Information
Intellectual Property Status: US rights are available under patents 6,399,075 and 6,673,354.
This invention is related to Harvard Case 1229.
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Inventor(s):
Benson, John D.
Howley, Peter M.
Kasukawa, Hiroaki
Categories:
For further information, please contact:
Michal Preminger, Director of Business Development
(617) 432-0920
Reference Harvard Case #1486