Use of VEGF and homologues to treat neuron disorders

Patent Number: 7,226,908

ALS is a neurodegenerative motor disease for which no curative therapies exist. Additionally, little is known as to what even causes this condition. Although in familial ALS (accounts for 10% of cases) about 20% of patients have a mutation in the enzyme superoxide dismutase, the meaning of this is relatively unknown.

The current patent covers the use of the angiogenic factor VEGF for the treatment of ALS. The inventors demonstrate the importance of VEGF in ALS since mice that lack VEGF develop an ALS-like condition.

Additionally, the inventors demonstrate some neurotrophic activities of VEGF.

View this patent on the USPTO website.