Developing novel osteoporosis therapies
The EC-funded MIVASE project sought to develop new therapeutic approaches to treat osteoporosis. Project partners focused on seeking ways to inhibit the major protein complex responsible for the bone acidification process. The osteoclast vacuolar ATPase is an attractive target for osteoporosis therapies and researchers examined natural inhibitors in an effort to identify potential new leads. Leeds University worked on an immunotherapy to inhibit the ATPase's activity. The antibodies that were developed were shown to be highly specific towards osteoblast proteins but also cancer cells. These antibodies have also assisted researchers in obtaining a better understanding of the topographical arrangement of these enzyme complexes and their subunits. Researchers are in the process of obtaining patent protection for these newly discovered antibodies. Collaboration agreements are being sought to exploit the potential of these antibodies in the field of osteoporosis and cancer. The partner will need to further develop these immunotherapies and also seek further leads in order to commence additional tests.
