Pharmaceutical Compositions and Therapeutic Applications for the Use of a Novel Vitamin B12 Derivative, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteinylcobalamin

KSU.301A

Abstract:Scientists at KSU have developed a simple and convenient method for synthesizing the novel vitamin B12-based therapeutic N-acetylcysteinylcobalamin.  Promising preliminary cell model data show that N-acetylcysteinylcobalamin, in combination with folate, effectively protects cells against homocysteine and hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative damage.  N-acetylcysteinylcobalamin shows superior protection compared with currently commercially available B12 forms.  High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular, peripheral vascular and cerebrovascular diseases.  Furthermore, moderately raised serum homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of incipient dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, and with a more rapid rate of cognitive decline.

Applications:Treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress; may potentially also be marketable as a nutripharmaceutical.

Advantages:  Preliminary data shows this vitamin B12 derivative provides superior protection of cells against oxidative stress compared with the currently available pharmaceutical forms of vitamin B12.

Inventors:  Nicole Brasch, John Williams, Catherine Birch

Licensing Contacts

Suguna Rachakonda

Associate Director, Technology Commercialization

Office: 330-672-3553  Fax: 330-672-7991

Email: srachako@kent.edu