43 innovations from Bar-Ilan University, available for licensing, co-investment, or spin-out through BIRAD.
Mandel Yossi
The invention relates to novel proteinoid-based nanocapsules (NCs) designed for non-invasive drug delivery to the retina via topical administration (eye drops). The nanocapsules are synthesized from tailored amino acid–based polymers that self-assemble into hollow nano-sized particles capable of encapsulating therapeutic agents. These biodegradable, non-toxic, and customizable nanocapsules enable penetration across ocular barriers and delivery of drugs to posterior eye tissues, including the retina and choroid, thereby potentially replacing invasive intravitreal injections. The invention includes specific proteinoid compositions optimized for enhanced retinal penetration, safety, and drug-loading capacity.
Gil Hava
The invention consists of (i) discovery that tumor metastasis of breast and other forms of cancer can be prevented by inhibiting the interaction between cortactin and the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Pyk2, (ii) a 19-mer peptide derived from the Pyk2 sequence is an inhibitor of this interaction, (iii) administration of this peptide significantly reduces metastasis in malignant cell-lines and in immune-competent mice, and (iv) additional peptides with improved inhibition profiles were derived in a structure-based approach.
Cohen Haim
Aging is associated with detrimental changes in chromatin structure and gene expression, contributing to inflammation, metabolic decline and tissue dysfunction. SIRT6, a histone deacetylase, plays a key role in maintaining chromatin integrity and promoting longevity. Here, we characterized age-related changes in chromatin accessibility in the murine liver. We found that aging leads to increased chromatin accessibility. These changes were accompanied by upregulation of inflammation-related pathways and downregulation of metabolic pathways. Remarkably, SIRT6 overexpression reversed these changes, reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolic function. Notably, ETS family members were enriched in regions with increased accessibility during aging, while liver-enriched transcription factors (LETFs) were enriched in regions with reduced accessibility. H3K9ac and H3K56ac ChIP-seq analyses showed that H3K9ac, but not H3K56ac, is associated with increased accessibility during aging and that SIRT6 can reverse this effect. Furthermore, an viral system of AAV-mediated SIRT6 overexpression experiment in aged mice demonstrated that SIRT6 not only slows age-related chromatin changes but can also reverse them, rejuvenating chromatin accessibility to a youthful state. This highlights the potential of SIRT6 based therapy to rejuvenate aged tissues and mitigate age-related dysfunction.
Mandel Yossi
The invention relates to a stimuli-responsive carrier system that enables controlled, transient, and reversible release of therapeutic and other functional substances. The system is based on a polymeric matrix crosslinked by redox-active metal ions, whose mechanical properties and diffusivity can be reversibly modulated by externally applied stimuli, such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) or visible light irradiation. Upon application of the stimulus, the matrix transiently softens and becomes permeable, allowing controlled release of incorporated cargos. Removal of the stimulus results in autonomous recovery of the matrix to its original, mechanically robust state, halting further release. The dissipative mechanism enables repeated on-demand release cycles from a single carrier depot without permanent degradation. The invention has broad applicability, including medical, ocular, industrial, and environmental uses. The invention is a collaborative effort of HUJI (Prof. Itamar Willner) and BIU (Prof. Yossi Mandel). BIU will share parts of the invention that are related solely to ocular use of the application.
Barda-Saad Mira
The focus of this patent application is the development of a novel therapeutic approach for controlling and improving NK cell killing of cancer cells or viruses in vivo by suppressing the key negative regulators of NK cell cytotoxicity. Natural-killer (NK) cells represent a powerful weapon of immune defense against viral infections and tumor growth, via cytotoxicity of target cells. Specifically, NK cells are particularly efficient in removing metastatic cells and tumor grafts. We recently revealed that NK cell response is inhibited by two main mechanisms: (1) dephosphorylation of signaling molecule by the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1, and (2) ubiquitylation mediated degradation of signaling molecule by the E3 ubiquitin ligases c-Cbl and Cbl-b. These molecular events block NK cell activation; however, their suppression increases NK cell cytotoxicity of cancer cells. NK cell-based immunotherapies represent a promising strategy to combat cancer, yet, no clinical trial has demonstrated a significant benefit in malignancies. Our novel approach for improving NK cell killing of cancer cells is composed of an in vivo NK-targeted drug-delivery system that strike the molecular mechanisms that inhibits NK cell activation, i.e. SHP-1 and the Cbls, using specific siRNA. To specifically target the NK cells, the siRNA will be coupled to nanoparticles coated with specific antibodies to NK cells.
Byk Gerardo
The invention describes the synthesis of new nanoparticles with monodispersed sizes from 20 to 500 nm. The nanoparticles complex nucleic acids and is able to transfer genes into mammalian cells to express a foreign protein. The singularity of the nanoparticles is that they are highly biocompatible. The complexes can be incubated with cells for undetermined time without toxicity. The expression of the foreign protein start at low level after 48h but arrives to high level after 1 week with no toxicity. The transfected cells can be passed several times without loss of protein expression, indicating a controlled release of the nucleic acids and their expression. The invention includes the use of DNA or RNA. Finaly, in vivo experiments demonstrated that the gene can be administered for example SC or IM and the protein expression can be detected after 1 month.
Margel Shlomo
The present invention describes the synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVA/PVP) hydrogels containing water soluble and insoluble functional active materials, e.g., fungicides, fertilizers, essential oils, oxidants, metal ions, drugs, dyes, etc.) for different applications in agriculture, environment, cosmetics, and medicine. For this purpose, two methods have been used, direct and a swelling method. In the direct method, PVP was added to warm PVA aqueous solution, e.g., 90-95 °C. After a while the system was cooled down slowly to room temperature. During the cooling process and the PVA/PVP hydrogel formation appropriate concentration/s of water soluble, e.g. hydrogen peroxide, urea, methyl orange or trichloro acetic acid, or water insoluble materials, e.g., essential oils such as thymol or benzoyl peroxide was/were added. The water-soluble functional materials were dissolved in the aqueous phase of the hydrogel while the water insoluble in the organic (PVP and/or PVA) part. The formation of the PVA/PVP hydrogels (due to hydrogen bonds between PVP and PVA) leads to gradual increased viscosity which enable to mold the formed hydrogel to any desired shape. The mechanical properties of the final material were improved by repeated freezing-thawing cycles. If necessary, surface crosslinking of the hydrogel for controlled release is accomplished by reacting surface PVA (hydroxyl groups) with glutaraldehyde under acidic conditions via formation of polyacetal bonds.
Yadid Gal Moshe
Synthetic delta receptor peptide agonists as a new treatment for cocaine addiction and pain.
Barda-saad Mira
This patent claims the usage of a small-molecule compound, SMC #13, to control and mitigate chronic inflammation
Moran Dvela Levitt
TMED proteins are implicated as oncogenic proteins in brain tumors and a variety types of additional tumors. We found that inhibition and downregulation of members of the TMED family, pharmacologically through treatment with the preclinical drug BRD4780, or genetically through siRNA or KO exert anti-tumor effect. This includes decrease in growth, migration and aggressiveness and targeting of cancer stem cell self-renewal. Additionally, TMED targeting increases treatment sensitivity to chemotherapy in different types of brain tumors including glioblastoma or pediatric brain tumors such as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
Yadid Gal Moshe
New psychodelic - like substance for novel treatment for addiction
Gruzman Aric-lev
Novel TRAM-Derived Decoy Peptides and Peptidomimetics as Cardioprotective Therapeutic Agents
