Company Filing History:
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Years Active: 2018-2021
Title: Innovator Spotlight: Vanessa Morais Epifânio
Introduction
Vanessa Morais Epifânio is a notable inventor based in Kessel-Lo, Belgium. With her innovative approach to addressing neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Parkinson's disease, she has been granted two patents. Her work is pivotal in providing new therapeutic avenues for treatment.
Latest Patents
Her latest patents focus on groundbreaking methodologies for treating early-onset Parkinson's disease. The first patent, titled "Means and Methods for Treatment of Early-Onset Parkinson's Disease," discusses using inhibitors that reduce FAS activity as a potential treatment. This is particularly aimed at patients with loss-of-function mutations in PINK1 or PARKIN genes.
The second patent, "Restoring Phosphorylation of a Novel PINK1 Substrate to Treat Parkinson's Disease," identifies a new substrate for the mitochondrial kinase PINK1, known as NdufA10. In Parkinson's disease, this protein becomes dephosphorylated, linked to a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Her research indicates that mimicking or restoring the phosphorylation of NdufA10 can reverse the phenotypic defects associated with Parkinson's disease, representing a novel therapeutic strategy.
Career Highlights
Vanessa has contributed significantly to her field through her affiliations with prominent institutions. She has worked with Vib Vzw and Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven R&D). These experiences have enabled her to advance her research and innovate in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collaborations
Throughout her career, Vanessa has collaborated with esteemed colleagues such as Patrik Verstreken and Melissa Vos. These partnerships have enhanced her research scope and have been instrumental in driving her patent developments.
Conclusion
Vanessa Morais Epifânio exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the field of neurodegenerative disease research. Her contributions through patents and collaborations highlight her commitment to finding new treatments for conditions like Parkinson's disease, showcasing the critical role of inventors in advancing medical science.