Therapeutics
The mission of Vicor therapeutics is to focus on the pre-clinical and early clinical development of specific naturally occurring peptides and proteins derived from "state-dependent" physiologies that will revolutionize the treatment of an array of human conditions such as:
- Stroke Ischemia
- Cardiac Ischemia
- Kidney Failure
- Organ Transplants and Preservation
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Cancer
The Company's initial drug discovery efforts relate to those state-dependent peptides and proteins released during hibernation. Vicor believes that its drug discovery platform will reduce the cost, time and risk associated with bringing potential products to market.
Vicor Therapeutics Highlights
- Vicor has identified the amino acid sequence of several peptides discovered in the blood of hibernating mammals (some of which are also found in humans), which have been successfully tested for efficacy in pre-clinical animal studies of cerebral ischemia. This animal model replicates human stroke. These infraction-preventing molecules have also been shown to be non-toxic in animal toxicology studies.
- Vicor conducted a meeting with the FDA on March 7, 2003 to develop the Clinical Development Plan for Vicor's lead stroke compound as part of the Investigational New Drug (IND) process. A pre-IND briefing document that was filed with the FDA in January and the minutes of the meeting are available on request.
- Vicor has filed two provisional patent applications in 2002 and has filed its United States Utility and Foreign Patent Application on February 5, 2003.
- Vicor is the first biotechnology company with a defined mission in the field of drug discovery using state-dependent peptides and proteins (such as those found during hibernation, pregnancy and Rapid Eye Movement [REM] sleep) that will revolutionize the treatment of a wide array of diseases.
- Using plasma isolated from hibernating mammals, Vicor scientists have been able to generate in non-hibernating animals, including primates, profound physiological changes such as: (1) reduction in damage to brain tissue caused by cerebral ischemia, (2) the recycling of urea, (3) a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive animals, (4) appetite suppression and (5) an increase in organ preservation time. Animal testing indicates these medically desirable effects can be achieved without harm to mammals, including primates.
- Vicor's revolutionary drug discoveries will provide humans the same defense against conditions that protect animals during the hibernation process:
- Ischemia (Cerebral and Cardiac)
- Uremic Toxicity
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Appetite Suppression
Regulatory Approval Process
Status. As of December 31, 2007, we are still in the pre-clinical testing phase with respect to our drug discovery platform and are awaiting patent issuance and sufficient funding to enable us to continue development. Since 2003, to conserve cash and to focus on the FDA approval of the Analyzer, we have halted all research related to our drug platform.