« Back to Vicor Press Releases
Vicor Technologies' Active Peptide May Be Novel
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA — February 22, 2002 — VICOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.'s latest results from our scientific research implies that we may be dealing with a novel peptide (not a protein as previously reported), whose structure is not posted in any of the international databases used for molecular "fingerprints."
Our previous work showed that there are 9 highly up-regulated proteins that are specific to a particular sub-state of hibernation in which an anti-infarction molecule is released. A control sub-state of hibernation that does not have this molecule released in comparison to the one that does is the approach that led to the isolation of these nine protein molecules. We have now applied this same state-dependent technique to the peptide fraction of molecules, because the latter are, generally speaking, made by enzymatic clippings of larger protein molecules into sub-fragments. Our hypothesis was that a peptide fragment would contain the same signal as the larger protein (i.e., for activating the anti-infarction mechanism). What we found was that the peptide we expected is a molecule less than 5 kDa.!
We performed a gel-study of the filtered 5-kDa fraction (2D SDS PAGE) to confirm that no larger proteins had leaked into the flow-through fraction of molecules. We also used trypsin, an enzyme that breaks up proteins into small peptide fragments, and found that this fragment-mix still was effective in preventing stroke in the mouse model. Since CSF extracted from hibernating animals also has stroke-preventing efficacy, we now interpret our peptide to be a neuropeptide, that is, one released from the brain. Since the relevant molecule works in non-hibernating species, this neuropeptide is likely to be one that works generally in all mammals.
Previous analysis of a sub-fraction of molecules of about this same size (i.e., one less than 3 kDa) pointed to five peptides that were highly up-regulated during the sub-state of hibernation that releases the effective molecule. We are now in full pursuit of identifying the ones in the slightly larger fraction, the one containing molecules up to 5 kDa in mass. Our previous result in the 3-kDa study showed that only 1 of the 5 peptides could be identified by molecular LC/MS/MS "fingerprinting." We presume that the same result will be found in the 5-kDa study.
So, we will have to find the amino-acid sequence of the unidentified peptides by using other modern proteomic methods. This sequencing, however, is easy to do. Then we will synthesize each of the five or more peptides (also easy to do) for testing in the mouse stroke model. This is very exciting work at this point. The perception of risk has greatly diminished. Our plans remain intact. We should identify this molecule very shortly. Vicor will then apply for its patent. We now know with certainty that we can identify the relevant peptide and patent it as an anti-infarction molecule.
Vicor has made arrangements for some parallel studies. The immediate focus will be the effect of our molecules on cancer cells and cardiac ischemia (details forthcoming). Our goal (though aggressive) is to have 3 molecules identified and patents pending by the year-end 2002.
In summary, if Vicor's molecules are in fact "novel", this would increase the value of the molecules substantially. Our scientists are very excited about the consistent outcome of our studies. We are on track to be able to sell or license one of our molecules within the next 12 months!
Vicor will be holding a conference call in late March to discuss the current studies being conducted. We will announce the date, time and phone number to call so you can actively participate. These conference calls are very informative and productive.
Certain statements contained herein are "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Because such statements include risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Vicor Technologies, Inc., prepared this Update and is solely responsible for its content.