EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Glucono Delta-Lactone as an Effective Anticoagulant/Anti-Inflammatory Agent

SUMMARY:  Glucono delta-lactone (GDL) is a stable, low molecular weight, natural product that is often used as an anti-oxidant and anti-microbial agent in the preparation of foods and cosmetics.  Dr. Charles R Spillert, Associate Professor of Surgery in the New Jersey Medical School at the University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) has found that GDL has both anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory properties.  Siuta Consulting has been retained by UNDMJ to identify partners for the further development of this technology.

BACKGROUND:  About 75% of all deaths in the United States involve a disease in which there is dysfunction in the blood coagulation and/or immune systems.  The monocyte, an essential immune cell, when activated generates tissue factor (TF), the initiator of blood clotting.  This cell may, in part, enhance the immune-clotting system synergy in promoting atherothrombosis.  This process will eventually lead to a reduction of blood flow to the essential organs with resultant injury and death.  Diseases in which accelerated atherosclerosis reveal its devastating effects include heart disease, diabetes and the majority of strokes.

TECHNOLOGY:  Glucono delta-lactone is currently used in the preparation of foods and cosmetics and is on the FDA’s GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list.  Dr. Spillert has found that GDL prolongs the clotting time of human blood spiked with TF, demonstrating GDL’s anticoagulant properties.  In addition, he has found that GDL reduces the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) which is indicative of an anti-inflammatory action.

GDL has potential therapeutic applications as an anticoagulant in patients at risk for a variety of diseases and conditions in which an increased blood clotting risk is present, such as heart attacks and stroke.  The appropriate dosage required for each patient can be assessed by simple, rapid blood tests.

PATENT STATUS:  A United States Patent Application was filed in 2007.