Research Overview
ZaBeCor is working to research and develop innovative treatments that could reach millions of patients. From asthma and allergy to other inflammatory and infectious diseases, our research is helping to shape The Future of siRNA™.
Our research and development operations are closely supervised by ZaBeCor's Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alan D. Schreiber, M.D. Over the past 25 years, Dr. Schreiber has led the research and development for the allergy, asthma, inflammation, and immune system modulation programs represented by ZaBeCor's patent portfolio. Our licensed patent portfolio includes U.S. and international patents, all of which have been licensed exclusively from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. We believe that our patent portfolio features potential groundbreaking advances in inflammation control and a potential revolutionary method of turning ordinary body cells into bacteria-destroying cells.
Dr. Schreiber was among the first to identify a molecule (Syk kinase) in inflammatory cells that is required for the release of mediators and cytokines that cause organ damage. Syk kinase is an early and essential signal in the network that leads to inflammation. There are no known alternate paths around Syk kinase, which is unusual in the intracellular signaling cascade, so removal of Syk kinase is reliable in inhibiting inflammation and resulting tissue damage.
Dr. Schreiber was among the first to determine that inhibition of the synthesis of this molecule dramatically halts the release of a wide range of inflammatory mediators. Further, he developed a molecular approach using a unique siRNA and antisense DNA treatments to prevent the production of Syk kinase. He was also the first to achieve the paradigm-shifting breakthrough of inducing phagocytosis in ordinary epithelial and fibroblast cells by introducing Fc gamma receptor DNA into those cells. Dr. Schreiber also made the observation that phagocytic producing cells could be “disarmed” and prevented from undergoing phagocytosis by introducing a different Fc gamma receptor DNA into those cells. He also identified steroid analogs without the toxicity of glucocorticoids, but with the macrophage-mediated anti-inflammatory effect(s).