A -- Treatment of Cardiovascular Disorder Using the Cell Differentiation Signaling Protein NELL1

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), managed and operated by UT-Battelle, LLC, is offering the opportunity to license and commercialize the technology. ORNL would like to identify industrial partners interested in licensing this technology for commercial uses. *******Technology: Research conducted at ORNL by Dr. Cymbeline T. Culiat focuses on therapeutic applications based on a novel signaling pathway mediated by the NELL1 protein. Nell1 is a gene that codes for a cell-signaling protein that is critical for the formation and maturation of the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. Nell1 triggers cell differentiation and growth via production of important factors (primarily extracellular matrix, cell adhesion and cell communication proteins) that are needed for the development of cardiomyocytes (heart muscle cells). About 70% of the genes in the nell1 pathway are critical in proper formation and function of the heart and blood vessels. Alterations in these genes (including nell1) cause a variety of cardiovascular defects in humans and/or mice. *******Stage of Development: Modeled Concept- studies have been concluded in mouse models. *******Potential Commercial Applications: Treatments for cardiovascular disorders based on the NELL1 protein or NELL1-secreting cells for the repair and regeneration of damaged cardiac muscle and blood vessels. Direct delivery of the protein or cells to the site of treatment can occur via biological matrices, direct injection, catheter, and other delivery methods common to clinical treatments. Cardiovascular therapy with NELL1 can be utilized primarily for patients with damaged heart tissue resulting from heart attacks, congestive heart failure, and other cardiovascular disorders. *******Patent Status: Patent application filed. *******Commercial Opportunity: Please contact ORNL with commercial interests in the licensing of the UT-Battelle LLC intellectual property, and in associated research and development undertaken cooperatively between UT-Battelle LLC and the licensee and funded by the licensee. Interested companies with experience and expertise commensurate with the commercialization efforts are invited to respond to this announcement. Please provide this written statement of licensing interest (including a company description and capabilities that support commercialization of this technology) within 30 days of the original posting date of this announcement. Please, no licensing intermediaries. This is not a procurement activity. *******Point of Contact: Jennifer T. Caldwell, Ph.D., Senior Commercialization Manager, Phone +1 (555) 000-0000, Fax +1 (555) 000-0000, Email contact@example.gov