SPNS2 inhibitor small molecule for autoimmune and cancer
This patent covers a family of small-molecule drug compounds designed to block a protein called SPNS2, which acts as a transporter that moves a signaling lipid (sphingosine-1-phosphate, or S1P) out of cells. S1P plays a central role in regulating how immune cells circulate through the body, and SPNS2 is a key gateway for this process. By chemically inhibiting SPNS2, these compounds can potentially suppress or redirect immune activity, which has therapeutic relevance in autoimmune diseases, cancer immunology, and inflammation. The patent claims a broad chemical scaffold with many structural variations, suggesting the inventors are staking out wide intellectual property territory around this mechanism.
What you could build
A small-molecule oral drug candidate targeting SPNS2 for autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain cancers; the primary buyers would be mid-size and large pharmaceutical companies with immunology or oncology pipelines seeking novel mechanism assets for licensing or acquisition.
Who in Virginia should care
Pharma and biotech companies with mid-Atlantic R&D operations, as well as contract research organizations supporting drug discovery programs in the Northern Virginia and Richmond corridors, would be plausible 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, Yugesh Kharel, Webster L. Santos, Russell G. Fritzemeier, Ariel Louise Burgio, Christopher Shrader, Daniel Foster
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed March 9, 2023
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20230331683A1
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.