A -- Development and Commercialization of Immunotoxin for Treatment of Focal Muscle Disorders

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) seeks a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) Collaborator to work with NINDS in the development, manufacture and commercialization of immunotoxins for the treatment of focal movement disorders. NINDS is seeking a development and commercialization partner for GMP production and in vitro and in vivo testing of immunotoxins comprising anti-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antibody (anti-ACR) conjugated to ricin or abrin. Potential Areas of Application · Treatment of dystonias including cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), focal hand dystonia, blepharospasm, and spasmodic dysphonia · Treatment of strabismus · Treatment of spasticity · Treatment of wrinkles · Treatment of sphincter spasms such an anismus Main Advantages of Technology/Invention: · Longer duration of effect than botulinum toxin type A · Specific for mature myofibers · Can be used in patients who are refractory to treatment with botulinum toxin Current State of Development · In vivo studies in animal models indicate that anti-ACR-ricin conjugate is effective in weakening both limb and eye muscles Further R&D Required: · Produce GMP quality immunotoxin · Screen immunotoxin for activity in vitro or in vivo · Plan for clinical trials of immunotoxin Patent Status: · Patent pending ( published as US PTO Application 20020081303 ) · Licensing of technology available Submission Dates: · Letter of interest should be received by July 1, 2004. Proposals will be reviewed in order of receipt Contact Information: · Martha T. Lubet Ph.D. NINDS Technology Transfer by TTB/ NCI Phone:301 435-3120 E-mail [email protected]