TS-003690 — This IP centers around targeting immune checkpoint receptors, particularly TIM-3, to treat benign and malignant Schwann cell tumors. These tumors are associated with neurofibromatosis syndromes and pose significant health challenges due to their potential for malignant progression and limited treatment options. Schwann cell neoplasms, including schwannomas and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), lack effective therapies. The IP proposes leveraging immunotherapies to target TIM-3 and other checkpoint receptors present in the tumor microenvironment. This approach aims to reactivate the dysfunctional immune response within these tumors, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. Presently, there are no FDA-approved therapies for Schwann cell tumors. By targeting TIM-3, this IP introduces an innovative therapeutic approach that addresses an unmet medical need. Preclinical studies have shown promising results, indicating the potential effectiveness of anti-TIM-3 antibodies in blocking tumor growth. Immediate applications involve utilizing antibodies or small molecules to target TIM-3 and other immune checkpoint receptors for treating Schwann cell tumors. The technology opens avenues for combination therapies and future developments in the treatment of neurofibromatosis-related tumors. Pharmaceutical companies engaged in cancer immunotherapy may find this IP compelling for licensing. Given the growing interest in immunotherapies, there is significant market potential for treatments targeting immune checkpoint receptors. The IP has progressed from foundational research, including single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, to preclinical testing involving anti-TIM-3 antibody treatment in animal models. Further development aims to validate these findings in additional preclinical models and explore combination therapies.

TS-003680 — The IP entails the creation of a quantifiable orthotopic NF2-associated meningioma model that seeks to address the lack of effective therapies for meningiomas, particularly those linked to neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Meningiomas, arising from the brain’s arachnoidal layer, present significant morbidity, with current treatment options limited to surgery and radiation. The model utilizes patient-derived xenografts in mice, which render a realistic representation of NF2-associated tumors. The IP addresses a critical gap in NF2 research by providing a reliable preclinical model for therapeutic evaluation. By accurately mimicking NF2-associated meningiomas, researchers can test potential treatments more effectively, thus accelerating the development of targeted therapies. Advantages are abundant, including: Patient Relevance: The model employs benign tumor cells from NF2 patients, ensuring clinical relevance and enhancing translatability of research findings. Quantifiable Evaluation: Researchers can monitor tumor growth over time using bioluminescence imaging, enabling precise assessment of therapeutic efficacy. Targeted Therapy Identification: The model facilitates the identification of potential targeted therapies, addressing the lack of FDA-approved treatments for meningiomas. The IP offers immediate applications in NF2 translational research; this enables the identification of novel targeted therapies with potent anti-tumor activities against NF2-associated meningiomas. The IP has progressed from cell line generation and characterization to in vivo evaluation of therapeutic candidates. Ongoing work involves further therapeutic evaluation using the established model, with potential for future refinement and expansion of applications. Major pharmaceutical companies with drugs targeting NF2-related signaling pathways would likely be interested in licensing the technology.

TS-000406 — Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are aggressive soft tissue sarcomas of neural origin. The only known curative therapy is complete resection. Researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital have screened two novel compounds (Didesmethylrocaglamide and Rocaglamide) that are easy to synthesize owing to their compact structure and low molecular weight. These drugs show anti-tumor activity with no overt toxicity in murine model. This preclinical invention is a promising treatment for MPNST and other tumors.