Voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist and method

US6156726A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Robert Newcomb · Palo Alto, US
• Andrew L. Palma · San Ramon, US
• Balazs Szoke · Budapest, HU
• Katalin Tarczy-Hornoch · Berkeley, US
• William F. Hopkins · Mountain View, US
• Ruth Cong · Palo Alto, US
• George P. Miljanich · Redwood City, US
• Robin Dean · Mountain View, US
• Laszlo Nadasdi · Walnut Creek, US
• Laszlo Urge · Berkeley, US
• Stephen S. Bowersox · Menlo Park, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 1, 1997
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2000
• Expiry date: Aug 1, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S530/858
• WIPO field: Pharmaceuticals
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A novel class of peptides selectively block class E voltage-gated calcium channels. The class is exemplified by HG peptides such as HG-1, which is isolated from the venom-producing cells of the tarantula Hysterocrates gigas. Also disclosed are methods of producing blocking class E channels using the peptides. HG peptides have utility, for example, in inhibiting oxytocin release and for use as anticonvulsants.