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This technology embodies a strategic modification that has simplified the structure of the englerin A molecule, allowing for more efficient mass production of the compound.
About
Background: Over 52,000 new cases of renal cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S. and treatment usually involves radical or partial removal of diseased tissue. When confined to the kidney, 60 to 70% of patients survive five years as long as the tumor has not spread. However, renal cancer remains a problematic disease with high mortality rates even when measured with the latest generation of cancer treatments. If the cancer has metastasized it becomes almost completely resistant to radiation and chemo therapy. The latest generation of treatments have improved the condition by reducing tumor size and metastases, but they have not demonstrated improved patient survival so far. Studies have shown that a novel organic compound called englerin A, a molecule isolated from an African plant, to be an effective renal cancer cell inhibitor, and this invention builds upon this research. This technology embodies a strategic modification that has simplified the structure of the englerin A molecule, allowing for more efficient mass production of the compound while maintaining its potent anti-cancer activity. About the Market: The renal cancer drugs market is projected to reach $5.6 billion by 2019, growing at a CAGR of 17%. This market is primarily driven by the changing lifestyles of people, including excessive alcohol consumption and smoking, and the occurrence of new cases is expected to grow more rapidly in developed countries such as the U.S. than in developing countries. Additionally, the geriatric population, aged 45 and above, is highly prone to chronic diseases such as kidney cancer, and populations worldwide are expected to experience unprecedented growth in the numbers of their elderly in the coming decades. In terms of treatments, both patients and physicians tend to prefer kidney cancer drugs over other types of targeted therapies, but there is currently a very limited number of approved drugs on the market today. Thus, a novel drug incorporating this technology has the potential to compete successfully in this market that currently has few incumbent drug manufacturers.