Therapeutic/Technology: Small molecule therapy
Modeling Retinitis Pigmentosa using patient-derived human iPSC organoids
Research Objective The objective of this proposal is to develop a human retinal organoid model of adRP to gain insights in pathogenesis and assess clinically relevant approaches to restore RHO protein function. Impact Upon successful completion of this study, we will have established a disease-in-a-dish model and a novel therapeutic approach towards management of the […]
Drug Discovery for Dilated Cardiomyopathy using Patient-Derived Human iPSCs
Research Objective Greenstone Biosciences will use patient-derived stem cells to discover safe and effective drugs for cardiovascular disease. Impact The use of patient-derived stem cells to discover novel drug targets for cardiovascular disease, identify drug candidates, and establish clinical trial in a dish to evaluate drug safety and efficacy. Major Proposed Activities Use patient-derived induced […]
COVID-19 Antiviral Therapy to Block Direct Cell Injury and Associated Tissue Damage
Translational Candidate Berzosertib (VE-822), a safe drug candidate for treatment against COVID-19, will be investigated. Area of Impact The outcome of the proposed studies will have a significant health benefit to COVID-19 affected patients. Mechanism of Action Our drug candidate, Berzosertib, works as a treatment against COVID-19 by blocking a critical step in virus replication. […]
Using hiPSC-derived lung organoids, a clinically-relevant system, to validate & winnow a list of approved drugs that inhibit SARS-CoV-2 cytopathy
Research Objective Using authentic in vitro models of the human lung, complete with inflammatory cells & vessels, we will validate drugs that might be rapidly repurposed for use in patients with COVID-19. Impact The impact will be the avoidance of an animal model once an approved medication hit has been verified by our model. The […]
Application of PGE2/BPV, a muscle stem cell targeting therapeutic, to the treatment of COVID-19 associated diaphragm atrophy
Research Objective Intramuscular delivery of 2 repurposed FDA approved drugs to activate diaphragm stem cells to augment regeneration and restore strength to COVID-19 patients with diaphragm atrophy from ventilation. Impact Currently effective treatments are lacking for diaphragm atrophy due to ventilation to treat COVID-19. Our treatment will promote full recovery of such patients. Major Proposed […]
Development of a novel PIKFYVE kinase inhibitor for the treatment of COVID-19
Research Objective Alveolar type II cells are the stem cells of the lung, and they are killed by SARS-CoV-2. We will determine if a novel PIKFYVE kinase inhibitor prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection of type II cells. Impact Although PIKFYVE inhibition blocks SARS-CoV-2 infection, no known PIKFYVE inhibitors have suitable drug-like properties. We would validate a novel […]
Repurposing Aminoadamantane Nitrate Compounds to Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Viral Activity and to Protect the Brain from Viral-Related Damage
Research Objective The objective is to screen a series of aminoadamantane nitrate compounds for their ability to protect hiPSC-derived neurons from SARS-CoV-2-related damage and to block SARS-CoV-2 activity. Impact If successful, our screen would identify a drug candidate for further development that would protect neurons from SARS-CoV-2-related damage and also inhibit SARS-CoV-2 activity. Major Proposed […]
Identifying a lead compound for COVID19 using high throughput screening with lung stem cell organoids
Research Objective We propose to use a lung stem cell based organoid to identify a new compound for COVID-19 by screening a library of FDA approved compounds that could be repurposed for COVID-19 infection. Impact If successful, we will find a therapy to treat COVID-19 infection and prevent the lung complications that are so deadly. […]
Stimulating endogenous muscle stem cells to counter muscle wasting
Vax-CT to promote formation of cancer-specific T memory stem cell for personalized cancer immunotherapy
Research Objective A vaccine booster to induce antigen-specific T memory stem cells that will help enhance the long-term immunity against cancer recurrence Impact Cancer recurrence presents an unmet medical need. Cancer vaccines are promising, but often lack a long-term protection. We will induce T memory stem cells (TMSCs) to boost the long-term immunity. Major Proposed […]