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Isolation of Focal Adhesion Kinase-specific Modulators

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W81XWH-04-C-0049
Agency Tracking Number: A032-0984
Amount: $730,027.00
Phase: Phase II
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: A03-172
Solicitation Number: 2003.2
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2003
Award Year: 2006
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2006-01-19
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2008-02-18
Small Business Information
2851 Commerce Street
Blacksburg, VA 24060
United States
DUNS: 627132913
HUBZone Owned: Yes
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Michael Danilich
 Principal Investigator
 (540) 552-5128
 submissions@lunainnovations.com
Business Contact
 Wendy Vogt
Title: Director of Contracts
Phone: (540) 552-5128
Email: submissions@lunainnovations.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

There exists a need to develop therapeutic strategies for the pharmacological modulation of angiogenesis to maintain force readiness. Angiogenesis is the development and growth of new capillary blood vessels from the existing vasculature. While increased vascularization of wounded tissue is essential for wound healing, increased angiogenesis is also critical in the progression of several pathologies including arthritis, diabetic retinopathy, and tumor proliferation. It is also an essential process underlying tumor growth and metastasis. Technologies that can modulate the process of angiogenesis are important to maintain the warfighter at full capacity. These technologies will have long reaching effects including reduced need for evacuation and convalescence leave; and reduced the cost of operations based on a decreased need for extended medical logistical support. Recent research suggests that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity is closely linked to angiogenesis. During the Phase I program, the Luna team discovered several natural extracts that contained specific FAK modulators. During the Phase II program, the Luna team will purify and identify the active component from each of the extracts that specifically influence FAK activity. Additionally, the efficacy of the FAK-specific modulators on cell migration and angiogenesis in cell-based assays will be determined, along with preliminary animal testing.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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