Inventors at the NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) are seeking a licensee or collaborator for a drug-like, patent-protected platform ready for lead optimization or IND-enabling studies in lung, liver and cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and other high-value indications.  

This technology includes a family of small-molecule antagonists that selectively block the 5-HT2B serotonin receptor, to address fibrotic, cardiopulmonary, and related disorders. Potential commercial applications of this technology include:
•    Disease-modifying treatment for systemic, pulmonary and hepatic fibrosis, 
•    Oral or inhaled therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension and serotonin-mediated valvular heart disease, and 
•    Adjunct management of chronic neuropathic pain, cancer-associated cachexia and autoimmune inflammation where 5-HT-2B signaling is implicated.

Competitive advantages of this technology include:
•    First-in-class selectivity: nanomolar human 5-HT2B blockade with minimal activity at 5-HT-2A/C, GPCR off-targets or ion channels, reducing risk of valvulopathy without CNS effects. 
•    Drug-friendly chemistry: orally bioavailable, chemically stable small molecules amenable to cost-efficient tablet or inhaled formulations.
•    Broad disease leverage: single mechanism addresses multiple fibrosis-driven pathologies-enabling portfolio or companion-therapy strategies.

For more information on this technology or to contact the licensing specialist, please view the abstract: Next-Generation 5-HT-2B Serotonin-Receptor Antagonists for Anti-Fibrotic & Cardiopulmonary Therapy