Description:
The current state of the art
Triglyceride-rich-lipoproteins (TRL), that are generated in the small intestine as chylomicrons and the liver as very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and their remnants represent an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (DVD) in people with diabetes, obesities, or metabolic syndrome.
The problems with the current art
Despite statin, HMG-COA reductase inhibitor and PCSK9 inhibitors are available to lower cholesterol levels, there is still a needs to identify new targets and develop treatments to treat obesity/diabetes-associated dyslipidemia and to lower cardiovascular disease risk.
Advantages of our invention
Scientists at AU identified the critical role of peripheral growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) receptors in obesity and diabetes-associated dyslipidemia and developed a novel compound to antagonize the function of the GHRH receptor. In type-2 diabetes and high fat-fed mouse model, GHRH antagonist significantly reduced plasma lipid levels and triglyceride-rich-lipoprotein levels. The intake of GHRH antagonist is safe in mice. It does not affect food intake but reduced body weight gain. Therefore, the GHRH antagonist can be a promising candidate to treat metabolic condition or syndrome and to lower cardiovascular disease risk.
AURI 2021-013
Lead Inventor: Rodulph Lucas, PhD., https://www.augusta.edu/centers/vbc/lucas.php
IP Status: 63,170/919 filing date: 04/05/2021