Project title: USE OF COP 1 FOR THE PREVENTION OF GRAFT REJECTION

Company name : IMMODAR LTD.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
Biotechnology, Pharmaceutics

KEY WORDS
Immune Rejections Rely,
Immunosuppressive Drugs, Immunomodulator

PROJECT SUMMARY
Currently prevention of graft rejections relies on the use of
non-specific immunosuppressive drugs, which induce severe toxic
side effects and render patients vulnerable to infections. The
immunomodulator Copolymer 1 (Cop 1) is very well tolerated with
only minor side effects. A unique feature of Cop 1 is its high
promiscuous binding to class II MHC molecules of humans. This
effective binding can inhibit the recognition of the transplant
alloantigens as non-self, and consequently graft rejection. In
addition, Cop 1 is a potent inducer of suppressor T-cells, which
secrete high amounts of Th2 anti-inflammatory cytokines. These
findings suggest that Cop 1 can be used for prevention and
treatment of the vigorous process of graft rejection.

MARKET
The U.S. immunosuppressants market is forecast to register an
impressive 39 percent annual growth, with revenues surpassing US
$ 11 billion by 2005. The immunosuppressants market for organ
transplant rejection in the major pharmaceutical markets is
expected to reach US $2.5 billion.

ENTREPRENEUR
Prof. Alexander Yussim - The Head of the implants
unit, Rabin Medical Center

PROJECT STATUS
Preliminary studies were already performed in order to test
whether Cop 1 can suppress graft rejection. The effect of Cop 1
was tested in two experimental murine transplantation systems:
skin and thyroid grafting assays. Cop 1 prolonged skin graft
survival and inhibited functional deterioration of thyroid grafts
more efficiently than Cyclosporin A, and its effect was
comparable to that of the potent immunosuppressive drug
tacrolimus.
The optimal effective dose and administration of Cop1, as well as
the comparison to the existing drugs will be studied. It is also
essential to confirm the ability of Cop 1 to prevent graft
rejection in additional transplantation systems, including
vascularised and perfused organs such as hearts and kidneys,
which are more relevant to human transplantation. For this
purpose transplantation in larger animals such as rats should be
applied.
A patent application in the national phase was submitted.

COOPERATION REQUIRED
The company is seeking technological cooperation, as well as
initial investments of US $0.3-0.5 million.
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TEL: 972-2-5870710, FAX: 972-2-5812386, E-MAIL:
biotec@hitec.co.il

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