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Patients with chemotherapy-refractory, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have poor prognoses. CD19 and CD20 are promising targets for the treatment of B-Cell malignancies. However, despite the initial promising results from anti-CD19 CAR therapy, only 30-35% of patients with DLBCL achieve remissions lasting longer than 2-3 years after anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy. Relapse and non-response are likely due to diminished CD19 expression after anti-CD19 therapy and low expression of CD19 in some lymphomas. 

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide public health crisis with over 100 million confirmed cases and 2.4 million deaths as of February 2021. COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Almost all the neutralizing antibodies targeting SARS-CoV-2 that are in development recognize the receptor binding domain (RBD) on the spike (S) protein. Blocking the interaction of RBD and the ACE2 receptor on human cells is the first of the two critical steps for neutralization of the virus.

This technology includes a small molecule drug (VDAC inhibitor, also known as VBIT4) that may be useful for inhibiting lupus disease. To test lupus animal model, VBIT4 was continuously administered for 5 weeks to mice and there was no mortality or clinical symptoms in these animals. Additionally, VBIT4 treatment blocked the development of skin lesions and alopecia of the ears and face, and suppressed the thickening of the epidermis that accompanies leukocyte infiltration.

Diverse human cancers like colorectal, pancreatic, ovarian, melanoma, and pre-cancers express NADPH oxidases (NOX) at high levels. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from metabolic reactions catalyzed by NOX in tumors are essential to the tumor’s growth. Though drugs that inhibit ROS production by NOX could be effective against a variety of human cancers, these types of drugs are not widely available.

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The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for a delivery system to improve transplant outcomes through inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway. 

Description of Technology: 

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Summary: 

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) seeks research co-development partners and/or licensees for a hydrogel-based delivery system for the local administration of tofacitinib to improve transplant outcomes.

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Investigators at the National Institute on Drug Abuse seek co-development partners and/or licensees for collection of mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonists as alternatives for existing compounds.

Description of Technology: 
Although existing opioids are excellent analgesics and useful as positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracers, they come with debilitating side effects. These include addiction, respiratory distress, hyperalgesia, and constipation. Therefore, there is a need for alternatives with lower adverse effects.

This technology includes the creation and use of A3 adenosine receptor (A3AR)-selective agonists for treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, chronic neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other conditions. A3 receptors for adenosine are found in most cells and endogenous activation of the A3 receptors can result in apoptosis, thereby relieving the inflammation or targeting a tumor. A3AR agonists have been a promising strategy for the treatment of various diseases.

This technology includes a new class of nanobody–antiviral peptide conjugates that block HIV from infecting human CD4⁺ T-cells, positioning them for future therapeutic and prophylactic use. Nanobodies—single-domain antibody fragments—guide the drug to the virus’s docking site and impede receptor binding, while the linked peptide halts the membrane-fusion step, creating a one-two punch against viral entry.