Opportunity Preview

Treatment for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)

Technology

A technology which harnesses Salvianolic Acid B to trigger cancer cell self-destruction, offering hope in the battle against TNBC

Background

In the realm of health sciences, various treatments are continually being researched to combat numerous diseases. One such ailment, known as “triple-negative breast cancer,” is a particular focus for medical experts due to its severity.

Exciting new prospects are being discovered in the natural world that may aid in diminishing the effects of this debilitating illness. A substance known as “salvianolic acid B,” sourced from a particular plant, has shown promise in these research endeavors. Consider salvianolic acid B as a therapeutic agent with a specific function that induces a process called “apoptosis,” which instigates the self-destruction of diseased cells.

To fully grasp the mechanism of this action, consider complex cellular activities similar to assembling a structure with building blocks. Each construction requires specific blocks for its formation and survival. Salvianolic acid B disrupts this by targeting precise building blocks called “glucosylceramide synthase” and “GM3 synthase.” The removal of these critical components destabilizes the structural integrity of the diseased cells, leading to their eventual demise.

Considering this, scientists suggest that salvianolic acid B can be harnessed as a potential treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. In this context, think of it as a specialized medication designed to target and combat specific diseases, much like how cough syrup alleviates a cough. Salvianolic acid B could be the “cough syrup” equivalent in the ongoing battle against this form of cancer.

Technology Overview

In the fierce battle against cancer, every weapon in the arsenal counts. Howard University’s most recent innovation, patent-protected and ready for licensing, offers a groundbreaking solution for one of the most aggressive forms of cancer: triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

TNBC currently represents one of the most challenging cancers to treat. Unlike other forms of breast cancer, it lacks the three most common types of receptors known to fuel breast cancer growth–estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene– making it unresponsive to many of the current targeted treatments. It’s a looming menace that affects countless women worldwide, often leading to severe outcomes and limited treatment options.

But what if the narrative could be changed? What if there was a promising new approach that could make a significant difference?

Howard University’s groundbreaking technology involves the use of Salvianolic Acid B (SAB), a compound derived from a plant, as a novel treatment method for TNBC. The way SAB works is by instigating a process called ceramide-mediated apoptosis, which is essentially a self-destruct sequence for cancer cells. It’s like pulling out key bricks from a Lego tower, causing it to crumble and fall apart. The “bricks” that SAB targets are certain essential proteins in the cancer cells, more specifically, glucosylceramide synthase and GM3 synthase.

By reducing the levels of these proteins, SAB can trigger the self-destruction of TNBC cells, potentially leading to a slowdown or even a stop in the growth of the cancer.

The beauty of this approach is that it leverages a substance already found in nature, fine-tuning its properties to target one of the most daunting diseases of the time. It offers hope for a new, effective treatment that could change the lives of thousands of patients worldwide.

This patent-protected technology presents a significant opportunity for pharmaceutical and biotech companies interested in developing a drug that could be a game-changer in the treatment of TNBC. It’s a promising and innovative solution to a problem that has confounded the medical world for years.

To the healthcare providers and hospitals treating patients with TNBC, this technology promises a new therapeutic approach that could improve patient outcomes. For research institutions and government health agencies, this technology offers a new avenue for exploration and a significant step forward in public health.

Howard University are proud to present this cutting-edge technology for licensing, a beacon of hope for TNBC patients worldwide. It’s more than just a scientific innovation; it’s a potential lifeline for those grappling with a formidable disease, a leap toward a future where TNBC can be effectively treated and perhaps, one day, even cured. Howard University invite you to be part of this revolutionary journey and join them in turning the tide against TNBC

Applications

Pharmaceutical Companies: These are likely the primary customers. Pharmaceutical companies can purchase this IP to develop and manufacture the drug for use in treating triple-negative breast cancer. They would carry out the necessary clinical trials to validate the safety and efficacy of the drug.

Biotech Companies: Similar to pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms may also be interested in this IP, particularly those focused on cancer therapeutics. They might use this as a base to create innovative treatments or therapies.

Healthcare Providers/Hospitals: Once the drug is developed and approved, healthcare providers or hospitals may be the end consumers who administer the medication to patients.

Research Institutions: Universities or research labs focused on cancer research might be interested in this IP for further investigation and development, or to use it as part of their research in cancer treatments.

Government Health Agencies: Public health agencies may invest in this type of IP to develop treatments that can be used in public healthcare systems, particularly in regions where triple-negative breast cancer is prevalent.

Non-profit Organizations: NGOs focused on cancer research and treatment might also be interested in this IP, either to support the development of new treatments or to ensure that effective treatments reach patients in need.

Venture Capital Firms: These entities might invest in startups or established companies that are planning to purchase and develop this IP into a commercially viable product.

Remember, for anyone to use this IP, they would likely need to license it from the original owner or creator.