LANCL2-targeting small molecule for autoimmune and metabolic
This technology identifies a protein called LANCL2 as a key molecular switch that, when activated by certain compounds, triggers anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects in the body. The core discovery is that a range of drugs and natural compounds — including abscisic acid, thiazolidinediones, and a compound called NSC61610 — work through LANCL2 to activate a well-known metabolic regulator (PPARγ) by a previously unknown pathway. This matters because it explains why some existing drugs work and opens a door to designing better, more targeted versions with fewer side effects. The diseases in scope are commercially significant: type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, atherosclerosis, and certain cancers — all of which share a common inflammatory mechanism that LANCL2 sits upstream of.
What you could build
A small-molecule drug or drug combination that activates LANCL2 to treat autoimmune and metabolic diseases with a differentiated mechanism of action; the primary buyers would be mid-to-large pharmaceutical companies with pipeline programs in IBD, type 2 diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis seeking novel MOA assets for licensing or co-development.
Who in Virginia should care
Virginia-based biotech startups, NIH-proximate drug discovery firms in the Northern Virginia/DC corridor, or pharma business development teams with a presence in the region would be natural contacts.
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
- Bassaganya-Riera, Josep, Hontecillas, Raquel, Lu, Pinyi
- Granted
- August 11, 2015
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 9101573
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology. Email us for an introduction prosim@harbor.capital.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.