Method of diagnosing and treating uterine fibroids

BACKGROUND
Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are benign tumors resulting from abnormal proliferation of smooth muscle cells in the myometrium.  It is estimated that uterine fibroids occur in ~70% of human female population and are the most common gynecologic neoplasm in women of reproductive age.  They can cause severe anemia, bowel obstruction, and infertility.  As the number one cause of hysterectomy, fibroids have a profound negative impact on women's health.  Non-interventional alternatives sought to treat uterine fibroids include anti-hormone therapy which induces premature menopause.  Other non-interventional alternatives are needed to diagnose uterine fibroids and inhibit their growth.

TECHNOLOGY
Scientists at the University of San Diego have developed a novel method of determining the presence or risk of having a uterine fibroids disease or disorder by measuring the expression and/or activity of validated genetic biomarkers in a sample from a subject wherein an increase is indicative of the presence or risk of having a uterine fibroids disease or disorder.  They have also developed a novel method of treating a uterine fibroids disease or disorder by inhibiting selected and validated gene expression, associated ligand gene expression, associated protein function, and/or associated protein ligand function.  In addition, lead compounds for treating a uterine fibroids disease or disorder have been identified.

PATENT APPLICATION
Provisional application filed

Case Number:  SD2006-297
Inquiries To:    invent@ucsd.edu