May 30, 2008

Roskamp Institute Scientist Awarded James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program Grant for Small Business Technology Transfer

Dr. Daniel Paris, a senior scientist of the Roskamp Institute was awarded a James & Esther King Biomedical Research Program grant for Small Business Technology Transfer for treatment of lung adenocarcinoma and metastasis using anti-angiogenic fragments of beta-amyloid (Abeta). Lung cancer incidence has been increasing in the last few decades, particularly in females due to rising ratio of female to male smokers. Research indicates that the factor with the greatest impact on risk of lung cancer is long-term exposure to inhaled carcinogens due to exposure to tobacco smoke. Since tumor growth, transformation, and spread are dependent on angiogenesis (growth of new blood vessels from preexisting blood vessels), blocking angiogenesis is considered to be an attractive therapeutic strategy for treatment. Abeta is a naturally occurring protein. Previously, Drs. Paris and Dr. Mullan have identified that Abeta can block the growth of human lung tumor transplanted into mice by stopping angiogenesis. In this proposal, he will examine if the smaller fragments of Abeta can stop the growth of lung tumors in mice models and elucidate their therapeutic potential as novel therapeutic for the treatment of lung cancer. The oncology market, the second largest and fastest growing therapeutic class in the world, is expected to become the leading class by 2010 with annual sales doubling to $66 billion. With nine new oncology products launched in 2007 and more than 90 products in Phase III clinical trials or pre-approval stage, growth in this market shows no sign of slowing. It is anticipated that Abeta will have a good safety and side-effect profile for its use in human cancer patients as it has already been used as vaccine for treatment in Alzheimers disease. The societal benefits from reducing mortality and morbidity from lung carcinoma can be measured in fiscal and emotional dimensions. The current national burden of lung tumors is estimated at $9.6 billion per annum and the physical and emotional suffering caused to patients and their families and colleagues is inestimable.

For more information, please contact the Roskamp Institute in Sarasota at (941) 752-2949, the Roskamp Institute Clinical Trials Division in Sarasota at (941) 256-8018, the Roskamp Institute Memory Center in Tampa at (813) 979-2008, or visit us online at www.RoskampInstitute.com.

Top | Home