Office of Technology Management
A Novel Therapeutic Agent for Providing Resistance to Hypercholesterolemia and Reduction of Serum Cholesterol Levels
Summary:
A team of researchers at UTHSC/Houston Medical School has isolated the gene that controls the metabolism of cholesterol into bile acids.  This process is the natural metabolic pathway through which excess cholesterol is removed from the body.
Studies of a specially bred cholesterol-resistant rabbit have shown that over-expression of this gene gives this rabbit the ability to ingest dietary cholesterol equivalent of 25 eggs a day with no evidence of atherosclerosis.  The cholesterol-resistant rabbit has the ability to handle the extra cholesterol before it is converted into its dangerous forms such as LDL in the blood.
 
Researchers are working to understand the details of this mechanism and to develop a safe and effective oral compound (pill) designed to increase this natural action of the body.  This drug would be taken by millions of people to prevent the leading cause of death in the U.S. and Europe.
Technology Status:
This patent is available for licensing from UT-Houston Health Science Center.


Patent Status:

Patent Pending
Inventor:
Drs. David Loose-Mitchell and Merrill Overturf