Bridge BioResearch Announces the Granting of US Patent for CD14
LONDON, January 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --
Bridge Bioresearch PLC (BBR) today announces that the company has been granted the US patent for their CD14 molecule indicated for treatment of Diabetes Type 2, obesity, atheroschlerosis as well as inflammatory diseases.
Originally acquired from the Spanish Biotech company Mellitus, BBR has continued research in animal models verifying pharmacological properties of the CD14 molecule. BBR has now achieved the granting of the US patent, which according to Mr. Soren Stenderup, CEO of BBR, further strengthens the IP position of CD14 as this complements the already issued European patent.
About the CD14 molecule
Cells undergoing programmed cell death (apoptosis) are cleared rapidly in vivo by phagocytes without inducing inflammation. Devitt et al. (1998) showed that the glycoprotein CD14 on the surface of human macrophages is important for the recognition and clearance of apoptotic cells. CD14 can also act as a receptor that binds bacterial LPS, triggering inflammatory responses. Over stimulation of CD14 by LPS can cause the often fatal toxic-shock syndrome. It has also been shown that apoptotic cells interact with CD14, triggering phagocytosis of the apoptotic cells. This interaction depends on a region of CD14 that is identical to, or at least closely associated with, a region known to bind LPS. However, apoptotic cells, unlike LPS, do not provoke the release of proinflammatory cytokines from macrophages. These results indicated that clearance of apoptotic cells is mediated by a receptor whose interactions with 'nonself' components (LPS) and 'self' components (apoptotic cells) produce distinct macrophage responses.
About Bridge BioResearch
Bridge BioResearch PLC (BBR) is a drug development company focusing on Obesity, Type II Diabetes and related metabolic disorders, as well as clinical stage testing. BBR continuously monitors databases for drug development and patents within the area. Targets are carefully selected for evaluation through proprietary assessment tools.
Enquiries should be directed to:
Soren Stenderup,
BRIDGE BIORESEARCH PLC
Denmark:
Kvæsthusgade 5C, 5th Floor DK-1251, Copenhagen K
Tel +45-22818320
Tel +45-70205252
United Kingdom:
2 Charterhouse Mews
London EC1M 6BB
Tel.: +44(0)7854041600
Tel.: +44(0)2075399489
Share this article