Sirtris wins patent on class of compounds aimed at diabetes
A Bay State biopharmaceutical company, focused on improving human life span, reports being granted a patent for compounds that, among other things, could improve the lives of diabetics.
Cambridge-based Sirtris Pharmaceuticals said the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued a patent for compounds that activate the SIRT1 enzyme. Included in the compounds is one that Sirtris (Nasdaq: SIRT) plans to take into a human clinical safety trial for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes sometime before the end of the first half of 2008. Company officials say several of these patented Sirtris compounds lower glucose and improve insulin sensitivity in preclinical models of Type 2 diabetes.
Sirtris has developed SIRT1-activating molecules that are chemically distinct from, and more potent than resveratrol, an SIRT1 activator found in red wine, which could reduce the impact of a high-fat diet, increase stamina and significantly extend lifespan of mice paydayloans.
Earlier this month, Sirtris licensed technology to Bayer CropScience AG for use in agriculture. The technology licensed to Bayer is intended to improve life span and stress resistance in cells.
Sirtris, which employs 42 workers, reported a 2007 net loss of $31.1 million, with no revenue.
Filed under: business by Finance Boss