IP Library Granted Patent US 12,551,528
Granted Patent B2
US 12,551,528 · App. 17/794,939 · Granted Feb 17, 2026

Compounds and methods for treating or reducing pruritus

Inventors: Martha Bhattacharya (Tucson, AZ); Tally Largent-Milnes (Tucson, AZ)
Assignee: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
A61K38/177A61K9/127A61K31/7105A61P17/04
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,551,528
App. No.
17/794,939
Granted
Feb 17, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

The present invention features methods and compositions for preventing, inhibiting, or reducing the sensation of itch (pruritus) by modulating the gene expression of TMEM184B. Modulating the gene expression of TMEM184B may comprise increasing Tmem184B protein expression, increasing Tmem184B protein activity or both. Furthermore, the methods and compositions described herein may activate the Tmem184B protein or activate a pathway leading to Tmem184B activation. Additionally, the methods and compositions for modulating the gene expression of TMEM184B may be used to help prevent or treat certain diseases or conditions such as dermatitis.

Claims (8)

1 . A method of treating sensation of itch or pruritus in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering a compound comprising a recombinant TMEM184B or a nucleic acid vector encoding thereof to the subject to cause a reduction in the sensation of itch or pruritus.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the compound is integrated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

3 . The method of claim 2 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is a lipid-based carrier, wherein the lipid-based carrier is a liposome.

4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the sensation of itch is IL-31-induced itch.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the method further treats dermatitis.

6 . A method of treating dermatitis in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising administering a compound comprising a recombinant TMEM184B or a nucleic acid vector encoding thereof to the subject to cause a reduction in dermatitis.

7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the compound is integrated into a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is a lipid-based carrier, wherein the lipid-based carrier is a liposome.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 18, 2022
From: BHATTACHARYA, MARTHA; LARGENT-MILNES, TALLY
To: ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Reel/Frame 060847/0366 →
CONFIRMATORY LICENSE Recorded Aug 12, 2022
From: UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
To: NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH), U.S. DEPT. OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (DHHS), U.S. GOVERNMENT
Reel/Frame 061164/0020 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 62965556 · Jan 24, 2020
Related Publication 20230047844A1 · Feb 16, 2023
References Cited (4)
US 20180305689A1 · Sætrom et al. · 2018 [cited by examiner]
Bhattacharya et al. (2016) “TMEM 184b promotes axon degeneration and neuromuscular junction maintenance” Journal of Neuroscience, 36(17), 4681-4689. (Year: 2016). [cited by examiner]
Larsen et al. (Jan. 26, 2020) “TMEM184B controls pruriceptor specification and function” bioRxiv preprint, version 1, 32 pages. (Year: 2020). [cited by examiner]
Larsen et al. (2022) “Transmembrane protein TMEM184B is necessary for interleukin-31-induced itch” Pain, 163(5), e642-e653. (Year: 2022). [cited by examiner]