Surojit Paul, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Neurology
Health Sciences Center, The University of New Mexico
Tyrosine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NM Start-up Factory/STC start-up)
Dr. Paul has disclosed two inventions, has one pending patent application, and has one option to license agreement with STC start-up Tyrosine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for his stroke therapy technology. The technology is a modified peptide derived from the tyrosine phosphatase STEP, a protein expressed in brain cells that is activated after an ischemic stroke (blood clots in the brain) to provide protection to the brain. However, rapid degradation of STEP over time limits its efficacy. The STEP-derived peptide crosses the blood-brain barrier, and when administered intravenously, even 6 hours after the onset of the insult, attenuates the progression of brain damage. Dr. Paul’s research has been continuously funded by the National Institute of Health and most recently he was awarded a 5-year grant for $1.6 million to evaluate the therapeutic time window for treatment as well as the long-term efficacy of the peptide in stroke treatment.
Dr. Paul’s research focuses on understanding the cellular mechanisms of neuronal injury related to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress. His laboratory is particularly interested in determining the role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in the regulation of signaling pathways in cerebral ischemia, aging and hypertension as well as developing strategies for intervention.
UNM-Affiliated Pending Patent Applications
- STEP-Derived Peptide for Brain Injury Treatment