Apelin Analog Therapy as an Innovative Treatment for Cardiovascular Diseases

Apelin, an innate peptide, is a critical component of the apelin pathway, which is responsible for regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system. Apelin is downregulated in patients with cardiovascular disease, therefore limiting the cardioprotective potential of the pathway. This project focuses on the optimization of a biological analog, able to withstand enzyme degradation with improved function that acts as a substitute for apelin. The intern involved in this project will have the opportunity to be a part of the development of a conceptual pharmaceutical into a biologic that can be used in clinical practice for patient treatment. Through the completion of this internship, PEARKO Therapeutics will have the assistance it needs to fully optimize its preclinical apelin analog formulations, bringing it a step closer to use in clinical practice.

Faculty Supervisor:

Gavin Oudit;John Ussher

Student:

Mahmoud Gheblawi

Partner:

PEARKO Therapeutics Inc.

Discipline:

Other

Sector:

Health care and social assistance

University:

University of Alberta