Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Therapeutics & Vaccines
Therapeutics Vaccines
Novel Analogs of Podophyllotoxin May Treat Cancer and Viral Infections
WARF: P08343US

Inventors: Jon Thorson, James Watson, Jr.

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing novel compounds with anticancer and antiviral activity.
Overview
Podophyllotoxin is a natural product derived from a plant. Although two clinically useful glycosylated analogs have been developed for treating cancer, podophyllotoxin is difficult to synthesize, hindering efforts to optimize the sugars on the parent molecule and maximize efficacy.

UW–Madison researchers previously developed a method, known as neoglycorandomization, for adding sugars to natural products to create a library of compounds for screening. The approach uses a universal chemical glycosylation method that employs reducing sugars and requires no protection or activation.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have now synthesized a library of podophyllotoxin derivatives using the neoglycorandomization method. The new derivatives may be useful for treating cancer or as antivirals.
Applications
  • Cancer treatment
  • Antivirals
Key Benefits
  • Novel compounds
  • Derived from a natural product
Additional Information
For current licensing status, please contact Rafael Diaz at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9847

WARF