Selective sphingosine kinase inhibitors for fibrosis, cancer,
This patent covers a family of small-molecule chemical compounds designed to block sphingosine kinase enzymes, which control a signaling lipid called sphingosine-1-phosphate in the body. By selectively inhibiting one or both forms of this enzyme, the compounds can modulate blood vessel growth, immune responses, and inflammation. The technology targets a broad range of serious conditions including certain cancers, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, asthma, kidney inflammation, fibrosis, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease. Some compounds in the series are specifically tuned to favor one enzyme subtype over the other, which is a meaningful distinction for reducing side effects in drug development.
What you could build
A preclinical drug candidate or licensed compound series for pharmaceutical companies developing treatments for fibrotic diseases, ocular conditions, or certain cancers; the primary buyers would be mid-to-large biopharma or specialty pharma companies with active programs in lipid signaling, oncology, or ophthalmology.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based biopharma startups, NIH-affiliated translational programs in the DC corridor, or large pharma with mid-Atlantic R&D operations would be natural partners or licensees.
Readiness: Lab validated
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Kevin R. Lynch, Webster L. Santos
- Granted
- October 16, 2018
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 10100022
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.