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Duska is seeking to develop novel therapeutic, medical device and diagnostic products using ATP or other small molecules that either activate or block P2 purinergic receptors.
Duska owns or has exclusive rights to proposed product candidates with the following therapeutic, medical device or diagnostic applications, which are in various stages of development.
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Scientific Background
Cell surface receptors are an important class of proteins embedded in the cell membrane that mediate chemical signaling among cells. Extracellular physiologic regulators such as neurotransmitters and hormones exert their effects by activating cell surface receptors. Adenosine 5’-triphosphate (ATP) is a natural substance found in every cell of the human body; energy of chemical bonds within each molecule of ATP is used to fuel all functions of the human body. ATP is released from cells into the extracellular space under physiologic as well as disease conditions. Extracellular ATP activates the P2 receptors (P2R) and thereby exerts specific actions depending on the subtype of receptor activated and the targeted cell type. Thus, ATP is a natural agonist that activates P2R. Fifteen P2 receptors have been cloned heretofore; they are divided into two main categories: P2Y – G protein coupled receptors that control intracellular signal transduction pathways, and P2X – Ionic channels embedded in the cell membrane that once activated, allow the flux of certain ions across cell membrane. MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF ATP
Duska’s investigational products target specific P2Y and P2X receptor subtypes. Duska believes that the following factors enhance the attractiveness of its patented P2 receptor technology:
The P2R field is of significant and growing scientific interest, with a number of multinational pharmaceutical companies having research programs in this area. Duska is one of the very few companies focusing solely on this field. The Company has established an important position and profile that should enable it to expand its potential product portfolio.
ATP formulations have been marketed in Europe for a number of medical indications for many years.
Significant clinical data that has been generated with ATP by clinical scientists in Europe is available for use by Duska for the development of its two leading product candidates. |
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Copyright © 2008 Duska Therapeutics, Inc. 1999-2008 All rights reserved.
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Duska Therapeutics |
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info@duskatherapeutics.com |
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* covered by issued patent, & pending patent application, ** dependent on FDA meeting |
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Promising New Medicines |
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Program |
Target Validation |
Drug Discovery |
Pre-Clinical Development |
Phase 1 |
Phase 2 |
Phase 3 |
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ATPace™* |
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ATPotent™* |
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Vagonixen™*& |
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ATProtect™ |
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