Methods and compositions for inhibiting β-secretase

US6852482B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Elan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Susanna M. S. Chrysler · Brisbane, US
• Sukanto Sinha · San Francisco, US
• Pamela S. Keim · San Mateo, US
• John P. Anderson · Langenfeld, DE
• Hua Tan · Daly City, US
• Lisa McConlogue · Burlingame, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 23, 1999
• Grant date: Feb 8, 2005
• Expiry date: Sep 23, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07K2319/00
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Compositions comprising a novel protease capable of cleaving β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) on the amino-terminal side of the β-amyloid peptide therein are provided. The protease is designated β-secretase. Reaction systems comprising β-secretase may be used in screening assays to monitor β-secretase modulated cleavage of APP and to identify β-secretase inhibitors, wherein the β-secretase is in the presence of a suitable polypeptide substrate and cleavage of the substrate determined in the presence and absence of the test substance. Antibodies are raised against peptides of β-secretase. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods comprise compounds identified by screening assays.