Technology

Inflammatory joint disease is an autoimmune condition that afflicts more than 54 million adults in the United States. It’s commonly characterized by joints that exhibit pain, stiffness, and redness that ultimately leads to severe disability and premature death. Incidence of the disease is rapidly growing due to rising obesity rates, unhealthy lifestyles and the growing population of those over 65 years of age. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and disease-modifying drugs are prescribed but do not treat the underlying cause of the condition. Hence, there is a significant unmet medical need for new treatments to reduce the morbidity and physical disability common to the disease.

The technology herein discloses compositions and methods for the treatment and diagnosis of inflammatory joint disease.  For treatment, compositions comprise agents that bind -2,3-sialic acid transmembrane proteins. Binding to these proteins have been shown to result in decreased inflammation as well as the preservation of cartilage. Additionally, methods are also disclosed for a diagnostic that can determine if a patient will benefit from treatment with the compositions.

Potential Application

The compounds can be injected into joints within the body that are suffering from chronic inflammation. As a result, inflammation can be reduced while preventing further degradation of the cartilage within the joint.  In addition, the diagnostic modality would determine which patients would most likely benefit from the treatment.

Opportunity

The global market for the treatment of inflammatory joint disorders was $58 billion in 2017 and expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.5 percent through 2024. Rising incidence and significant interest in the development of new therapies are primary drivers of the market. Commercially available treatments only address pain and do not eliminate the underlying cause of inflammation.

Rowan University is looking for a partner for further development and commercialization of this technology through a license.