INNOVATION:  Researchers at UCLA have discovered a method for reducing the size of myocardial infarctions, thus reducing the irreversible death of heart tissue. They found that administering a particular pharmacological agent prior to infarction reduced the infarct size by ~37% in mice. The molecular target of the drug is known and well studied. The agent is currently in clinical trials for other therapeutic applications, therefore some efficacy data already exists.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• The compound can be used to pre-emptively reduce the severity of myocardial infarctions.
• Further development can be pursued using the compound and/or its molecular target as a template.

ADVANTAGES

• The severity of myocardial infarcts can be significantly reduced.
• The compound is already being tested in clinical trials for other indications.
• The molecular target of the compound is known.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2005-497

US Patent Application: 11/586,326