Treatments for Autoimmune Diseases

          Researchers at Wake Forest University Health Sciences (WFUHS) have developed compositions and methods for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.  Specifically, our research has found a generic compound that could potentially enter a Phase I/II trial for lupus in the very near future.  This generic should receive protection from our pending patent applications as well as from FDA programs such as Orphan Drug and Fast Track.  Such a product may produce potential sales of ~$100-150MM with additional sales generated by off-label uses for other autoimmune disorders.

          Additional upside is provided by WFUHS’s validation of the target: Histone deacetylase (HDAC).  HDAC inhibitors has been effective in mouse models of lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid and other disorders.  HDAC inhibition is an emerging area in cancer research (see Aton Pharma’s $250MM acquisition by Merck).  WFUHS expects to have a broad patent position on the use of HDAC inhibitors in the autoimmune space. 

Value Proposition:

A.   Immediate clinical trial opportunity in lupus

o       Early stage revenues!

B.    Potential to screen NCE’s for treatment of rheumatoid, diabetes, etc.

o       Potential blockbusters!

C.   Potential broad blocking patent for HDAC inhibition in autoimmune

o       Sublicense opportunities!

Intellectual Property: Pending