Nanotechnology Now - Press Release: "Telomolecular Acquires Anti-Aging Technology from Stanford University"

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Abstract:
Telomolecular Corporation acquires an important technology from Stanford University that might be used to fight presently incurable problems of human aging and disease.

Telomolecular Acquires Anti-Aging Technology from Stanford University

Rancho Cordova, CA | Posted on May 22nd, 2007

Telomolecular Corporation, a Rancho Cordova based nanotechnology company, recently acquired a new technology from Stanford Leland Jr. University. The technology, called Mitofusin 1, allows for the repair of damaged mitochondrial DNA. Damage to mitochondrial DNA leads to forms of aging and a variety of diseases. By combining this tool with other portfolio products Telomolecular hopes to reverse certain symptoms and signs of human aging.

The terms of the agreement require that Telomolecular meet certain milestones in order to maintain permanent and exclusive worldwide licensing rights. The University is entitled to a royalty on goods as well as certain undisclosed fees.

This is really the first practical tool that can be used to repair damage to mitochondrial DNA. We believe that this acquisition reinforces our broader initiatives in the field of human aging and diversifies our ability to treat serious problems of age-associated disease. Mitofusin 1 represents an innovation in human health.

Mitochondria produce energy for the human body and play a role in human aging. The dysfunction of various mitochondrial genes have long been implicated in a number of rare diseases, some fatal. Mitochondria may also play a role in other, more common, diseases as well. Parkinson's disease, progressive-blindness diseases and certain cancers have been found to involve mutations in mitochondrial genes. Mitochondrial genes have also been implicated in type 2 diabetes in individuals who have none of the typical diabetes risk factors.

The correction of damaged mitochondrial DNA may have applications in human aging. An unfortunate side effect of aerobic respiration in mitochondria is that unstable molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) begin to accumulate in the mitochondrial DNA compartment and cause damage to mitochondrial DNA. The intentional mutation of mitochondrial DNA in lab animals causes premature aging (Larrson et al., 2004).
Additionally, mitochondrial DNA mutations are found to accumulate with age in humans.

According to the company's Chief Executive Officer, Matthew A. Sarad, "This is really the first practical tool that can be used to repair damage to mitochondrial DNA. We believe that this acquisition reinforces our broader initiatives in the field of human aging and diversifies our ability to treat serious problems of age-associated disease. Mitofusin 1 represents an innovation in human health."

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About Telomolecular Corporation
Telomolecular develops nanotechnologies that treat problems of human aging. The corporation's primary focus is on the transport of therapeutic agents that lengthen and repair chromosomal telomeres in living animals. Successful therapies based on this tactic may offset, and potentially reverse, many devastating age-related diseases and perhaps address many symptoms and signs associated with human aging.

For more information, please click here

Contacts:
Matthew A. Sarad
msarad @ telomolecular.com
(916) 851-0271

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