MitoBEN - Development of mitochondrial antioxidants based on hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives

Overview

Project Summary

The present proposal for submission of a PCT relates to the design and development of novel hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives which function as antioxidants with direct effect on mitochondria. The technology involves the binding of hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives to a spacer and to a chemical group that gives the molecule a higher lipophilicity and a greater capacity for accumulation in the mitochondria. Natural antioxidants do not have this capability and are therefore of limited utility in reducing / minimizing oxidative damage in mitochondria. These damages are an important factor in the development of various pathologies and in various consequences of the aging process, such as for example cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases or a progressive loss of skin elasticity. The novel technology has potential application in human and animal diseases, for example, to treat mitochondrial dysfunction or mitochondrial and cosmetic deficiencies, for example, to prevent or retard skin aging. The technical team involved in the project has extensive experience in research and development (R & D) projects, with more than 500 scientific papers published in journals of the specialty with scientific expertise. The present patent protects a technology based on the production of antioxidants directed to the mitochondria, with applications in human and animal health, that resulted from several years of investigation and collaboration between the CNC and UP, being articulated with the formation of a spin- off from both institutions, which will be the vehicle to introduce such technology to various industrial partners and potential buyers of intellectual property. The protection of intellectual property at the national and international level will not only prevent other groups from using the same technology for commercial purposes, but also be a clear creation of value from R & D to be licensed or sold to commercial partners.

Main Goals

With this grant, we intended to finance an International Patent request at the INPI, with subsequent territorial expansion to key markets, such as Europe, North America, Brazil, China and South Korea, among others, in order to protect our technology and its uses. The technology refers to the design and development of new derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acid that function as antioxidants with a direct effect on mitochondria, the intracellular organelles responsible for producing most of the energy that cells use. The technology involves linking derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acid to a spacer and to a chemical group that gives the molecule greater lipophilicity and greater ability to accumulate in the mitochondria. Natural antioxidants do not have this ability and are therefore of limited use in reducing/minimizing oxidative damage to the mitochondria and thereby preventing its consequences. The relationship between oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in diseases or metabolic disorders associated with aging is well documented in the scientific literature. Disruption of mitochondrial function (energy production) due to increased oxidative stress disrupts homeostasis and can lead to cell death.

Project Details