Description:
The drug Vemurafenib is one of the few treatment options for late-stage melanoma currently available. However, upon either single or chronic treatment with Vemurafenib, the cancer cells develop mechanisms of resistance to the drug. Other drugs available in the market such as Mek1/2 inhibitors and BRAF inhibitors fail to overcome Vemurafenib resistance.
This invention has identified the mechanism that creates the resistance to Vemurafenib for the treatment of melanoma, and the class of drugs that are used in combination with Vemurafenib will prevent resistance. The research has identified individual compounds within the class that have proved most effective for treatment of melanoma in combination with Vemurafenib, improving prognosis for patients and reducing the chance of relapse.
Reference Number: D-1172
Market Applications:
- Cancer treatment
- Biotechnology research
Features, Benefits & Advantages:
- Combats resistance to Vemurafenib
- May prevent resistance if included in initial treatment regimen
- May have applicability across other cancer types
Intellectual Property:
A U.S. Provisional Patent application, Serial 62/172,327 was filed on 6/8/15. A U.S. Utility Patent Application was filed 12-08-2017, application number 15/580,991
Development Stage:
This invention has been reduced to practice in preliminary in vitro and in vivo studies and undergoing continued development.
Researchers:
Sanjay Srivastava, Ph. D., Professor and Associate Academic Dean,, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas.
Fofaria Neel, Graduate Student, School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, Texas.
Keywords: BRAF inhibitor, Vemurafenib